The keynote speech notes trends and issues since passage of Public Law 94-142, The Education for All Handicapped Children Act. It also describes proposed legislation of the Council of Chief State School Officers to benefit children and youth at risk of school failure. (DB)

The report submitted by the President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education includes faulty claims and reasoning that devalue special education and hinder efforts to better meet the needs of students with disabilities. We question the commission's findings and recommendations regarding closing the achievement gap, practicing prevention,…