The seven articles in this monograph explore the relationship between legislation and policies/regulations directed at the education of students with special educational needs, and actual practices in schools and classrooms. The first article, "The Impact of Special Education Legislation on Schooling: A United States Perspective" (Mary Lynn Boscardin), discusses the possibilities and problems associated with the impact of special education legislation and school reform movements on the education of student with disabilities in the United States. "Dilemmas, Contradictions and Democracy: Models in the Governance of Special Needs Education in England and Wales" (Alan Dyson), describes the tensions posed by the realignment of power and responsibility among the central government, local education authorities, and individual schools in special education in England and Wales. "Special Education Legislation and Policies in the Context of Education Reforms: The New Zealand Model" (David Mitchell), focuses on ways New Zealand is attempting to build flexibility into its education reform agenda. "Legal Rights of Students With Disabilities: Indicators of Legislative Performance in Canada" (William J. Smith and William F. Foster), discusses the problems of educational equity in Canada within a social/political context. "Meeting Special Educational Needs within a Legislative Framework: The Scottish Experience" (George O. B. Thomson), considers the impact of legislation to support provision for special education needs within the Scottish context. "Legislation in Australian Special Education Intent and Effect: The Impact on Child, Family and Teacher" (Roy I. Brown), discusses the dichotomy between legislation governing special education and special education practices in Australia. The final article, "Brazilian Special Needs Education: Conceptual Framework and Policy for the 1990s" (Georgia M. Kerns and F. S. Cavalcante, Jr.), discusses inclusion, special education teacher preparation, principles of special education, service models, integration, and special education eligibility in Brazil. (Each article contains references.) (CR)