Canadian school systems are being asked by some departments of education to provide appeal procedures in the educational placement of handicapped students. Basic issues, due process considerations, and trends are discussed to determine qualities of good appeal practices, and a model procedure is proposed. (DB)

In order to help students make the transition from education to work, it is suggested that college counselors and administrators need an operating theory about student development and an information system that provides regular feedback on student outcomes. Student involvement is discussed as one operating theory. (Author/MLW)

Procedures for identifying learning styles are described and possible cultural influences on learning styles are noted. Practical guidelines for instructional placement are suggested. (Author/DB)

Reacts to previous arguments regarding verbal and performance constructs of Wechsler Scales. Contends that general factor model is more plausible representation of data for these scales. Suggests issue is moot when considered in regards to practical applications. Supports analysis of needed skills and instructional environments in educational…

While the regular education initiative (also called regular education/special education initiative) has merit, the powerful complexities and dimensions inherent in the changes that are called for must be acknowledged. Excerpts from statements by teacher educators, Education Department officials, researchers, and national associations reflect the…

The article looks at the concept of discrepancy between ability and achievement in conceptualizations of learning disabilities. Comparison of ability and achievement scores found generally small average discrepancies, though some wide ranges were evident. Implications of the findings for current and future use of discrepancies as estimators of…

Foreign-language examinations do not adequately or reliably assess level of skill. Standards and criteria for determining a student's skill level should be improved to provide more guidance and make more appropriate placements in foreign-language classrooms. (CB)

Discusses the evolution of the concept of "mainstreaming," objections to the idea, the rights of the handicapped, and the rights of all students to an effective education. Responds to the critics of mainstreaming. (FL)

Proposes that a second-language acquisition research paradigm using Universal Grammar (1) did not consider the paradigm's theoretical and logical basis; (2) simplistically interpreted the parameter-setting paradigm; (3) and made false assumptions regarding statistical analysis methods and regarding the empirical facts of language processing. An…

This paper reviews the literature on full inclusion and its applicability for students with autism. It concludes that, although the goals and values underlying full inclusion are laudable, neither the research literature nor thoughtful analysis of the nature of autism supports elimination of smaller, highly structured learning environments for…

The history and current problems of adoption services provided by the state of New York are discussed. First, statutory reforms since the creation in 1968 of the nation's first statewide adoption subsidy program are reviewed and adoption services aimed at providing permanent homes for children in foster care are described. Subsequently, the…

The task force report examines the civil rights, definitional issues, assessment, classification, and placement issues related to the adaptive behavior deficiencies of mild mentally disabled pupils in Iowa. Specific sections speak to the following areas: the adaptive behavior issue, functions of the task force on adaptive behavior, suggestions for…

E. Burns' (1984) attempt to explain the below average mean IQ scores reported for samples of learning dsabled (LD) students through the use of the bivariate normal probability distribution was examined. Alternative explanations which focus on issues related to the referral, identification, and placement of children are presented.(Author)

The paper examines an Idaho Supreme Court decision (Thornock versus Boise Independent School District) that placement of a severely handicapped student in a regular classroom with the assistance of an aide was preferable to placement in a segregated special education classroom. The paper argues that this decision is contrary to the provisions of…

Explores licensing of out-of-home care as nonservice protective approach to child welfare distinguished from placement protective services. Discusses individual and role conflicts in relation to common goals of community protection of vulnerable children. Reviews administrative and organizational issues in light of assuring consistent and uniform…