Instructions are given for creating a staff development content profile out of the expressed in-service needs of individual staff members. Articles in this journal issue report on presentations made at the First Curriculum Conference of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) in 1978. (SJL)

Two papers are presented, related to Australian activity therapy centers (places which teach the mentally handicapped personal, social, and prevocational skills complementary to their vocational needs). The first paper discusses the assessment of needs and implementation of client-based programs. Assessment and programing are said to be…

This literature review describes and evaluates five accelerative methods for teaching intellectually gifted students at the secondary level. The review stresses the importance of matching student characteristics and instructional type, citing research demonstrating that intellectually gifted students achieve at higher levels when their educational…

The paper specifies competency domains for multidisciplianry teams involved in vocational and technical education for handicapped secondary learners. Six competency domains (including collaborating with other professions and parents in the student assessment process and identifying available assessment instruments) are listed, and 10 common skills…

Data describing a student's present skill levels are often difficult for all members of a Child Study Team (CST) to understand, and these data often do not readily lend themselves to developing specific goals and objectives for an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The Brigance Diagnostic Inventories (the Inventory of Early Development, the…

The paper addresses the issue of access by disabled persons to the world of work, independence, and adulthood by defining the concept of least restrictive employment and presenting a framework for incorporating it into the public schools. Least restrictive employment is viewed as the placement of disabled youth in paid, integrated employment with…

The author suggests ways in which the individualized education program (IEP) may be used to facilitate articulation for handicapped students. Advantages of the IEP approach are noted for admissions, program modification, financial assistance, and instructional assessment. C. Johnson's reaction cites benefits as well as problems. See also EC 133…

The article focuses on a practical prioritization process as a method to bridge the gap between assessment and planning of individualized education programs for severely handicapped students. This prioritization process is based upon a set of criteria agreed to by planning teams which include educators, related service personnel, and families.…

Presented at the 1980 meeting of the National Science Teachers Association, the paper discusses some psychoeducational considerations for planning science instruction for the physically disabled. It is suggested that science teachers and educators must come to understand adjustment to disability, both through the eyes of the handicapped student as…

The presentation describes the development of an interdisciplinary team approach to working with mildly retarded students (5-9 years old). The approach featured group discussions and activities to enhance students' listening, communication, and social skills, and to improve individual and group behavior. Individual and group goals were designed by…

This paper lists five principles to consider that will enable beginning teachers to defend Individualized Education Program (IEP) decisions for students with disabilities in due process hearings. The first principle urges teachers to consider placing children with disabilities in regular education with supplemental aids and services when making…

The paper describes the use of expert systems technology in translating test and observational data into objectives for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) with handicapped students. The Math Test Interpreter (MTI) is designed to combine student information, results from the Key Math Diagnostic Arithmetic Test and additional program generated…

Recognizing the increase in school violence, California recently enacted the Hughes Bill that requires a positive behavioral intervention plan for individuals with exceptional needs. Although special education teachers are required to develop positive behavioral intervention plans, most have not been trained in the skills necessary to develop or…

This paper offers a structured framework for the transition of students with disabilities from middle or junior high school to high school. First, it outlines a transition decision tree to help decide whether a formal transition plan is needed. Next, the paper offers a 10-step set of practices appropriate for all students with disabilities in the…

School psychologists can play a central role in ensuring that handicapped students are treated fairly in minimum competency testing (MCT). Advocacy concerns include protection in the evaluation process as well as access to graduation and/or a high school diploma. In addition to these rights guaranteed by P.L. 94-142 (the Education for All…