National population trends demonstrate a shift in the U.S. ethnic population, similar to changes in the ethnic landscape of U.S. public schools. However, the teaching landscape has not adjusted to align with student demographics. Research highlights the academic and social/emotional benefit for students of color who experience having a teacher of…

Among issues uncovered were that some professionals were not convinced of the need for free public school services for early childhood handicapped children, there is a need for leadership, there is a large information gap, and there is a great need for coordinated pre- and inservice training. (CL)

The document states the future direction of the Pennsylvania Office of Mental Retardation in planning and policy development for residential programs. Section I provides an overview, traces the history of residential services in Pennsylvania, and describes the residential system in Pennsylvania as of June, 1978. Section II outlines a continuum of…

This paper includes a review of forces militating toward increased state coordination/control of higher education; brief descriptions of the manner and extent of coordination/control in various states; and a delineation of pros and cons of increased control through unified systems of higher education within the states. (Author/SJL)

This article discusses the continuing trend of downsizing and closure of large state institutions for persons with mental retardation. Between 1987 and 2001, nine states closed all of their large state residential facilities, reducing the total national population of such facilities by 2,414 residents. A chart illustrates state reductions. (CR)

This article presents a brief history of the transition of the federal definition for students who are gifted and talented, as well as a description of other definitions that have affected state definitions. A review of state definitions in 1990 and 1998 indicates that 29 states have modified their definition. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

The California Special Education Paraprofessional Training Task Force conducted a survey to determine the role and utilization of paraprofessionals in special education and corresponding competencies required, the degree of perceived need for training, and desirability of developing a certification plan for statewide training in the state. A…

The report presents information based on a 1978 survey on programs in 46 state education agencies for severely and profoundly handicapped (SPH) individuals. The principal section of the report discusses summary data on state consultants responsible for services to SPH students, definitions, percentage of consultant time spent on programs, child…

The paper traces the history and current status of special education services for handicapped children in New York state. The initial section reviews the historical perspective and analyzes future trends. The philosophy of special education regarding labeling, individualized learning, and mainstreaming is examined. Staff selection, transportation,…

Four articles on computer-assisted testing in schools at local and state levels are reviewed. Trends in the application of and limitations/advantages of microcomputerized testing packages are described. (SLD)

This Policy Research Brief summarizes longitudinal national statistics on the number and characteristics of persons with mental retardation and related conditions living in state institutions, their movement into and out of those institutions, the costs of state institutions, and the growing numbers of closures of these institutions. Findings are…

This report analyzes policy trends in gifted education in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut from 1984 through 1994. The decrease in state funding of gifted education during this period is investigated, along with the rise of private and university gifted programs. Findings from the analysis indicated that gifted students possess few of the…

This article summarizes trends indicating a shift from institutional services to services in small community settings, an operational transformation from state government being the provider of services to being the purchaser, a shift from state financing of community services to federal-state cost-sharing, and an increase in people receiving…

This article provides a legal update on the issue of residential placements for students with disabilities and discusses practice considerations in light of national trends toward greater integration and curbing of rising costs through providing incentives for community-based programs. Practices in Virginia are used as an example. (DB)

Without changes in Michigan's unemployment insurance law, the state's unemployment insurance debt will probably reach $3.8 billion by the end of 1985. Currently, Michigan's employers pay unemployment insurance tax rates that vary from 1 to 9 percent, depending upon the amount of benefits charged against their accounts. Beginning with the federal…