A succinct overview of the provisions of PL 94-142 and its implications for educators. (Editor/SJL)

From the perspective of the deaf, Public Law 94-142 is highly flawed. It creates practical hardship as the price of theoretical gains when it does not distinguish between handicaps and emphasizes mainstreaming. Available from Law Quarterly, School of Law, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130. (Author/IRT)

In "Cedar Rapids Community School District v. Garret F.," the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that severely disabled students have a right to health services supporting their education. The decision, which clarifies the extent of medical services required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, will prove expensive for school…

Under provisions of the 1997 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments, school officials may change a disruptive student's placement before the situation escalates and requires disciplinary measures. IDEA's purpose is to address students' disabilities, including those causing them to misbehave. Also, disabled students may be suspended…

Since federal and state laws directly influence the professional activities of physical educators, it is essential to understand the implications of particular laws and regulations as well as legal processes. Some misconceptions about the law are examined, and techniques by which physical educators can affect educational policy are explored. (JN)

Examines the deficient labeling techniques, the inefficient funding mechanisms, and the administrative problems inherent in Public Law 94-142 and in some similar state legislation. Offers suggestions for remedying these weaknesses. Available from DePaul University College of Law, 25 E. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604; single copy $5.00.…

In discussing how federal law can foster the appropriate mainstreaming of handicapped children, the authors discuss requirements in existing law, assess the status of educational and legal knowledge, review problems of implementation, and make suggestions for effective mainstreaming. Available from Indiana Law Journal, Indiana University School of…

Historically, it was more convenient to remove the disabled from the social mainstream than to integrate them in schools or provide jobs or training. This article traces progress made by case law and federal legislation, including the 1975 Education for All Handicapped Children Act, 1973 Rehabilitation Act (Section 504), and 1990 Individuals with…

Examines a Connecticut case concerning the rights of a disruptive handicapped student in light of P.L. 94-142. (IRT)

School administrators are caught between the special education requirements of a free appropriate education and the mainstreaming preference embodied in federal law. This article analyzes circuit court cases and explains four overlapping judicial standards that influence mainstreaming decisions. Administrators should avoid blanket-separation and…

In the United States, national legislation was created to protect disabled students' education rights. Courts have provided tests for integrating such students into school systems. Some are concerned this advocacy has gone too far and that court decisions authorizing "full inclusion" misinterpret the law's intent. This article examines…

To acquaint school administrators with their legal responsibilities toward special-needs students, this article explores several common misconceptions. In actuality, disabled students would languish without special-education services; federal laws are not overly complicated; legal ignorance is no excuse for delegating responsibility; students with…

This Congressional hearing on the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was held to define the necessary elements and supports that must be in place in order to make inclusion work successfully for students with disabilities, parents, and teachers. It contains statements and supplemental materials from: (1)…

The report cites research on educators' knowledge and understanding of P.L. 94-142 (the Education for All Handicapped Children Act), the ability of a typical school staff to implement P.L. 94-142, and elements restrictive to providing the instructional program. Noted among findings were the following: although a student provided with special…

Under the 1973 Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, school districts must transport students with disabilities to a site providing a free, appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. This article discusses federal and state laws governing student transportation, including wheelchair…