One of a series of sixteen knowledge transformation papers, this paper examines the problems, issues, and needs of vocational educators as they develop and implement individualized education programs (IEPs) for handicapped children. First, a general discussion of an IEP gives its five components (present level of educational performance, annual…

This journal provides 12 brief articles focused on open education. Topics explored include (1) open education and reading, (2) mainstreaming, (3) characteristics of an open teacher, (4) administration of an open concept school, (5) an existential methodology in the language arts, (6) social studies in open education, (7) open education in early…

Intended as a primer for administrative action, this booklet gives the vocational adminstrator some basic guidelines and strategies for managing vocational programs and services for handicapped students and clarifies key concepts. The five sections each address one of the major concerns of an administrator: identifying students with handicaps, the…

The ten 1998 issues of the newsletter of TASH comprise this document. An issue typically contains news items, a column by the organization's executive director, reports from special interest groups, legislative testimony, conference information, and several major articles, such as the following: "A Q&A on IDEA 97 with Tom Gilhool"; "Positive…

Model programs are briefly described which use outdoor education to carry out individualized education programs for handicapped students. Sample objectives for individuals and their corresponding activities are listed for such areas as outdoor cookery, wilderness camping, and participation in local outdoor recreational facilities or areas.…

This periodical issue focuses on the theme of involvement of families in the education of their children with disabilities. It includes papers with the following titles and authors: "A Message from the Assistant Secretary: Developing Successful Partnerships between Parents and Service Providers" (Robert R. Davila); "Parent Advocacy…

The journal issue contains articles on parents, special education, and diagnostic organizations. The first article, "Parental Reactions to a Partnership in Special Education" by M. Feldman and M. Preston, stresses the value of including parents on the special education team particularly in the expression of their feelings toward psychoeducational…

Individualized education programs (IEPs) for handicapped students are discussed in terms of contents, legal requirements, monitoring, and their implications for physical education. The role of the physical educator in developing IEPs and in providing specially designed physical education services is considered. Approaches to assessment and…

The issue of Directions contains 10 articles which address the question of what, besides the legal mandate, does it take to make placement and programing work for hearing impaired individuals. Entries include the following titles and authors: "The IEP (individualized education program) and Deaf Children" (M. Deninger); "The Deaf Child and the…

This guide is intended to help parents understand how a child becomes eligible for special education and related services and how to use letter writing to effectively communicate with the school when necessary. Initial information is presented in question-and-answer format and covers parental rights, parental responsibilities, and using letters to…

Using a system that monitors just the process of education does not guarantee positive student outcomes. What education needs is a consistent set of accountability procedures for all students. As educators take steps toward a new and inclusive accountability system, they need to look at: (1) possible alternative approaches to accountability; (2)…

This digest summarizes the reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 (IDEA 97) with emphasis on changes in the new law. First, it highlights principal changes in the law. These changes include participation of children and youth with disabilities in state and districtwide assessment programs; the way in which…

This publication discusses education reform and the movement toward standards and assessments and its impact on students with disabilities. It is designed to provide parents with information about changes in assessment and graduation criteria, and assist parents in investigating the changes happening in their districts and states. Different…

Children and youth with special health care needs frequently require health care during the school day. School evaluations and Individual Educational Plans should include health information addressing students' daily health and emergency needs, should assure services in a setting that is academically appropriate and in the least restrictive…

This newsletter includes six articles related to the Regional Resource and Federal Centers for Special Education Network and its efforts in the area of standards and accountability. In "Teacher Training and Skills: Necessary Ingredients for Standards and Accountability," John Copenhaver discusses ways in which the Regional Resource and…