Data-based decision-making (DBDM) using curriculum-based measurement (CBM) data has demonstrated effectiveness in improving academic achievement for students with or at risk for learning disability. Despite substantial evidence supporting DBDM, its use is not common practice for many educators, even those who regularly collect CBM data. One…

Effective collaboration is associated with positive outcomes for students and is a key component of equitable educational opportunities. There are challenges to effective collaboration, however, as our understanding of it differs based on the various definitions in the literature. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify the common…

The purpose of this review was to synthesize research on the effect of professional development (PD) targeting data-based decision-making processes on teachers' knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy related to curriculum-based measurement (CBM) and data-based decision-making (DBDM). To be eligible for this review, studies had to: (1) be published…

Six years of studies on assessment and identification issues for learning disabled (LD) students are summarized, and implications for instructional intervention are noted. In chapter 1, findings on four topics are highlighted (sample findings in parentheses); instruction prior to referral (only about one-half of the school day is instructional…

The author considers fundamental economic considerations which underlie decisions concerning individual education programs (IEPs) as mandated by P.L. 94-142 (the Education for All Handicapped Children Act) for handicapped students. (SB)

Shows that, for the most part, legislation mandating the development of individual educational programs (IEPs) for children receiving special services is effective, but that parents are less positive about some aspects of the IEPs than about others. (Author/FL)

The author looks at problems involving parents of handicapped children in the educational decision making process and suggests areas of needed research. Mediation is suggested as a means to keep parents involved in decision making and to reduce the adversarial and costly nature of due process hearings. (SB)

Both law and pedagogy require that educators address behavior interfering with educational progress for students with disabilities. The reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA, 2004) and its predecessor, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 1997a), require individualized education program (IEP)…

Reviews the legal basis for the mandatory consideration of supplementary aids and services for enabling children with disabilities to be educated in the regular classroom and presents a four-step approach for teams to use in determining supplementary aids and services for children with disabilities. (Author/CR)

This paper reviews the literature on the implementation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, using a framework based on phases of evolution of the IEP process. It identifies issues such as the importance of training for all IEP process participants, especially parents and regular teachers, and the development of team decision…

This brochure summarizes law, policy, and practice concerning inclusion policies for students with specific learning disabilities (LD). It summarizes requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act concerning the availability of a continuum of placement options and placement in the least…

In the second of a five part study on least restrictive environment (LRE) placement for handicapped students, results from onsite observations of 134 local placement team meetings concerning 96 cases are examined. Sampling procedures used to determine cases in the five states are reviewed, as are the observation form and data collection…

Recognizing the changing role of parents of handicapped children in the educational planning process, the advocacy roles and responsibilities for parent involvement are identified and discussed in light of their implications for school psychologists. Materials available to assist in the training of parents are presented. (Author/RL)

"Data Trends" reports present summaries of research on mental health services for children and adolescents and their families. The article summarized in this "Data Trends" discusses a primary goal of the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health--to transform the existing mental health system into one that provides meaningful choices and…

This monograph presents an analysis of issues related to provision of extended school year (ESY) programs and services for students with disabilities. It discusses major court decisions that have established the case law that governs this area of special education. It also considers issues of eligibility, notice and timing requirements, and the…