Developing positive school climates and improving school discipline policies and practices are critical steps to raising academic achievement and supporting student success. However, there is no single formula for doing so. Rather, the growing body of research and best practices in the field should inform locally developed approaches to improving…

This paper describes the Oklahoma Statewide Training and Regional Support (STARS) program, a system of early intervention inservice training developed to comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part H. Major challenges included identification of technical assistance needs, facilitation of training attendance, identification…

How has special education policy evolved over the years, and where should it go in the near future? One of the best known and most respected leaders in special education policy, Jim Gallagher, takes a candid and critical look at these questions in this informative book. Students, administrators, and policymakers will fully understand how four…

This study attempted to identify variables supportive of inclusive programming for children with disabilities from the teacher's perspective. Structured interviews with 10 teachers at two pilot elementary schools in Indiana addressed issues concerning type and frequency of staff development, site visits to inclusive schools, previous experience…

The report presents findings of the second and third year of a study of the Less Restrictive Placement Personnel Training (LRP) program, designed to develop materials and training to increase the number of students mainstreamed into general education. In the final 2 years of the 3-year program, LRP expanded to include all special education regions…

The authors report on a national survey of administrators and program specialists at 43 state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies concerning the impact of federal employment legislation and rehabilitation policies on the provision of services to consumers who are deaf or hard of hearing. The article focuses on 5 initiatives enacted to enhance…

Outlines the principal areas in which computers have the potential for improving learning. These include: math remediation, vocabulary and language arts, enriching learning opportunities, helping the handicapped, and computer literacy. Includes discussion of areas to consider when planning basic computer programs. (MD)

These recommendations concerning the integration of students with and without disabilities in public schools begin with an operational definition of integration and a list of general parameters guiding successful integration. Recommendations are then offered in several areas, including: (1) training, which should be systematic, comprehensive,…

This transcript presents testimony given at a House of Representatives committee hearing on the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Included is the text of an amendment, the Braille Literacy Amendment, which is intended to improve the literacy rate among children with visual impairments. This amendment calls for an…

Because of the importance of preventing inappropriate disciplinary measures for special education students and those with disabilities, school boards should direct administrators to set specific procedures and limits on disciplinary measures, boost staff development programs, and establish open communication with parents. (MLF)

This report describes the personnel development requirements of Public Law 94-142 (the Education for All Handicapped Children Act), Delaware's Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD), and Delaware's proposed action plan. The scope of the CSPD system is covered, including descriptions of inservice and preservice training for general…

This report analyzes and documents the ways that existing educational service systems have successfully modified their roles in order to improve school-to-adult-life transition services for students with disabilities. The report is based on findings from development of a model cooperative transition services system, which revealed that new roles…

This report describes specific requirements of Public Law 94-142 concerning the establishment of a Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) to ensure that qualified personnel deliver appropriate educational and related services to handicapped children and youth in Delaware. Various components of the CSPD are reviewed, including the…

Therapists and educators in early childhood special education programs have several potential sources of conflict ensuing from differing professional backgrounds, quality control, coordination problems, material equity, and lack of policy. A model for intensive and extensive training to improve the integration of therapy and therapists into the…

This study explored the relationship between costs and benefits of supported (inclusionary) education practices as implemented in 10 schools in 9 Oregon school districts. Specifically, results are presented from a series of interviews conducted with special education directors and principals. Interviews explored administrators' perceptions…