Individualized education programs (IEPs) reflect the spirit of individualized instruction that lies at the heart of special education. Quality annual goal statements, which propel the implementation of special education programming, use clear language to communicate measurable, meaningful, and standards-aligned expectations to all members of the…

Discriminatory discipline practices in the nation's schools disproportionately impact students of color; students with emotional, behavioral, and cognitive disabilities; and youth who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ). Large numbers of these students are removed from class, lose opportunities to learn, and…

The paper examines cultural variables of which providers of educational services should be aware when working with Asian American parents. Preliminary cautions are expressed regarding different underlying reasons for similar overt behavior, the vast scope of within-group differences among Asians, and difficulties of determining the extent of…

Differences in reactions of parents of gifted and handicapped children are pointed out; concerns of parents regarding testing and identification are considered; and parent-professonal communication is discussed in terms of the parents' need for information, need to belong, and need for positive self-esteem. (SBH)

The study examined attitudes toward school inclusion of students with disabilities of 1,145 prospective teacher trainees from six national/religious groups in eleven colleges in Israel: The groups were secular, religious and ultra-orthodox Jews and Muslim, Christian and Druze Arabs. Participants responded to the "Opinion Related to Inclusion…

The article provides suggestions to professionals to help develop effective patterns of communication and interaction with disabled Native American students or clients. Cultural characteristics such as placing greater value on cooperation than competition are discussed. Suggested readings and demographic data are included. (Author/DB)

This study examined sociocultural variables and attitudes toward work, in conjunction with a vocational rehabilitation program for Navajos with disabilities. Findings indicated that, in general, the more "acculturated" the Navajo client, the better the client's level of motivation for vocational rehabilitation services. Differing cultural…

These guidelines for developing cooperative parent-teacher relationships first identify counterproductive practices (such as forcing the parents of children with disabilities into predetermined roles) and then explain helpful strategies, including developing an atmosphere of trust and respect, working toward a truly collaborative relationship, and…

The paper, originally given at a 1986 Ethnic and Multicultural Symposium, looks at ways to enhance the involvement of black parents of handicapped adolescents in their educational program. Cultural, social, and economic considerations unique to black families are considered. Improved communication, greater utilization of resources within the black…

Discusses cultural and family factors to consider when evaluating a student with disability for assistive technology devices, and the need to involve families in decisions about the uses of the devices. The need to be sensitive to family needs for acceptance and to be aware of cultural differences is discussed. (CR)

Multicultural education in teacher preparation programs seeks to sensitize preservice special education teachers to individual differences attributable to culture or ethnicity. Described are the goals and objectives of a multicultural module; teaching strategies; module evaluation; resources used; and such learning techniques as fishbowl…

The president of the Council for Exceptional Children urges special educators to respect students' varying cultural backgrounds; to differentiate between cultural differences, developmental delays, and true disabilities; and to use the individualized education program to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate programming. (DB)

The Internet has significantly changed the way people conduct business, communicate, and live. In this article, the authors' focus is on how the Internet influences the practice of psychology as it relates to testing and assessment. The report includes 5 broad sections: background and context, new problems yet old issues, issues for special…

This booklet is for young people with handicaps who are getting ready to graduate from high school and begin working and living in the adult world, with special focus on individuals with cultural differences. The booklet provides advice on completing preliminary, essential tasks of adult living. It also explains the services of various agencies…

Asserting that inclusion of diverse children in schools is desirable, the article presents recommendations for instruction of heterogeneous groups. Suggestions center around such topics as class size, individualized instruction, multidimensional classrooms, student self-management, opportunities to respond and learn, a positive and accepting…