If chronological age appropriate and functional curricular content is to be developed, the basic components of an individualized education program (IEP) mandated by P.L. 94-142 (the Education for All Handicapped Children Act) must be supplemented, and instructionally defined for each severely handicapped adolescent or young adult student. (Author)

The paper addresses the educational needs of severely handicapped students with emphasis on the redirecting and redesigning of current thinking, curriculum structure, and teaching methods so that students develop functional skills. Stressed are the need to reconsider the definition of the severely handicapped, the purpose of their education, and…

This article introduces each of 10 peer-reviewed articles on severe behavior disorders, noting that collectively these articles on severe behavior disorders address a number of issues and challenges, suggest a variety of programmatic strategies, and propose directions for future research and practice for students with emotional and behavioral…

The paper advocates the extension of the basic protections of "permanency planning" to all children and youth, including those with severe handicaps. It discusses the concept and process of permanency planning and notes its promise in improving the opportunities of all children and youth to grow up in a stable family environment. It…

The paper details advantages of microcomputer-based assessment with moderately and severely handicapped individuals over conventional print instruments. Noted advantages include improved accuracy, less time-consuming, greater flexibility, and the potential for information database development and regional systematic programing. One such…

This commentary on "Natural Supports in the Workplace: The Jury Is Still Out" (Test and Wood), argues that the principles of natural supports should not be subject to empirical testing because they function as a guide to strategy development and strategy selection. Discusses the difficulties in examining natural support strategies. (CR)

This discussion of special education and mental health services for minority severely emotionally disturbed children identifies several issues in service delivery and impediments to service delivery. The identified issues are divided into the following categories: program development, the coordination of services, and service delivery systems;…

This monograph presents an overview of the current status of programs for students with serious emotional disturbances in California and makes recommendations for program improvements. An introductory chapter summarizes important themes including screening, prevention, and early intervention; definitions; eligibility issues; assessment;…

The "PRISE Reporter" newsletter is issued six times a school year, generally from November through May. This collection of 18 issues examines the following special education topics: "Chronological Age in the Design of Educational Programs for Severely and Profoundly Impaired Students" (L. A. Larsen and L. B. Jackson);…