The Transition Choices Program (TCP) is designed to increase the ability of young persons with disabilities to participate more fully in the school-to-adult life process through systematic instruction in six skills: exploring choices and developing preferences; planning goals and following through; seeking assistance when needed; recognizing and…

This report of the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources unanimously supports the passage of a bill (Senate Bill 1578) which amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 1997 through 2002. The bill amends parts A through H of IDEA. Amendments are intended to reduce unnecessary…

This paper reports on the perceptions of West Virginia teachers and administrators regarding the effectiveness of individual education plans (IEPs) in guiding discipline decisions for students with disabilities. Telephone interviews were conducted with 141 regular and special education teachers and administrators in all 55 West Virginia counties.…

This guide provides an overview and a curriculum for the Education for Employment (EFE) program, which prepares students in targeted populations for independent living and productive careers. The courses encourage students to engage in activities that allow them to blend their academic and vocational studies and employment experiences to solve…

This Indiana study reviewed the program by which students with severe disabilities are placed in alternative/residential services. It examined the types of children served, the services they receive, and the costs of these services. Data were collected from 299 applications for services in residential treatment and local alternative services. Most…

This collection of papers focuses on practical approaches to resolving behavior problems in the Australian school system. The papers are divided into four general categories: perspectives on behavior problems, focusing on families, schools and system initiatives, and programs in special settings. The papers include: (1) "Beyond…

This guidebook to developing programs which include children with disabilities in general education classrooms offers a step-by-step process, specific instructions, scheduling helps, and master forms. An introduction (Section I) describes the COACH (Choosing Options and Accommodations for Children) approach identifying such assumptions as the…

This study, which was mandated in Title II of the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act, explores issues surrounding the financing of assistive technology and examines questions of accessibility, availability, affordability, and cost-effectiveness. The study offers a paradigm of disability focusing on how specific…

In light of debate about the developmentally inappropriate and culturally questionable use of standardized testing for placement of preschool children, alternative approaches to screening and assessment are required. The impact of a Head Start program upon children must involve documentation of physical and mental health, speech, hearing, vision,…

A 3-year research and development project examined ways to improve the retention of special education teachers in the Memphis (Tennessee) City Schools. Several individual studies identified sources of dissatisfaction with teaching and the conditions that would encourage career longevity among teachers. Responses from 470 special education and…

Noting that the collective stories of special education have grown out of a tradition that, by its nature tends to perpetuate problems, this book examines such narratives and how they influence thinking and belief about intelligence and learning. It begins by examining how the current story of intelligence developed and illustrates some of the…

This study examined the assessment and prescriptive practices used in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) efforts throughout the country. Project Directors (N=50) of projects funded under the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act were surveyed. The survey instrument was designed to assess Project…

This study examined the opinions and practices of 59 of Alabama's rehabilitation counselors who are assigned to serve secondary students with disabilities. Results are presented within the areas of: (1) Individualized Transition Program; (2) student/parent participation in transition, (3) assessment, (4) vocational preparation, (5) service…

This theme issue provides an overview of related services for school aged children with disabilities as required by federal law, especially the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It identifies the personnel associated with delivering various services including audiology, occupational…

This report documents the status of professional development and training for school personnel who work with students with disabilities in Alberta (Canada). A comprehensive review of postsecondary programs and courses was undertaken to determine required and optional courses containing special education content. Advocacy groups/associations were…