In response to legislative mandates that schools use evidence-based instructional practices, the National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center has identified evidence-based practices and predictors in the area of secondary transition for high school students with disabilities. This article provides an overview of practices and…

Specifically explains procedures and techniques necessary to be in compliance with the Individualized Educational Program of the Handicapped Children's Act. Also describes principal's role in mainstreaming handicapped students. (LD)

A combined discipline counseling approach treats both symptoms and causes of discipline problems, while also providing accountability for behavior. Over the five-year period that this approach has been in operation at the Bridge Street Junior High in Wheeling (West Virginia), the number of repeat offenders has declined. (WD)

Introduces the Supervised Study Program, a support program for average ability nonachievers that guarantees success in return for commitment and performance. (Author/WD)

Reviews a 1979 report from a Vermont governor's commission proposing future directions for education in Vermont, particularly in regard to teacher training and the educational delivery system. (Author/JM)

This decision did not clarify all of the issues involved but did state clearly that if the need arises, a student, regardless of his or her learning disability, can be suspended up to a full 10 days. (Author/IRT)

Describes a locally developed writing program that includes a diagnostic device for pretesting and posttesting, a writing skills checklist, an individualized educational program format, a series of parent notification letters, and a remediation system involving all staff members. (Author/IRT)

Discusses implications of the 1997 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments for local policy and practice. Secondary principals should understand new requirements for locating and evaluating eligible students with disabilities, including disabled students in state and districtwide assessment programs, involving regular teachers in…

There are three reasons that specially designed instruction at the high-school level is improperly delivered: teachers may not understand the requirements, know how to make appropriate accommodations, or follow what has been outlined. Scheduling mismatches and failed behavior-management implementations are additional factors. Planning ahead avoids…

In passing the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997, Congress tackled tough issues regarding educating students with disabilities. This article addresses four changes to IDEA and their implications for secondary principals, including suspension of handicapped students without educational services, development of…

Concerned about educational quality in the Mifflin County (Pennsylvania) School District, a committee of educators surveyed 11 other Pennsylvania districts concerning their experience with intensive scheduling in high school special-education programs. Responses were generally positive, except for concerns about special-education support services.…

In response to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments (1997), the Virginia Department of Education implemented a statewide mediation system that includes eight mediators to resolve parent-school conflicts involving special-education issues. An impartial third party helps disputants reach agreement in a nonthreatening atmosphere.…

Many school districts have adopted minimum competency tests as part of the requirements for high school diplomas. It is important that the needs of special education students are included when planning and implementing competency testing. Included are three levels of options to consider for modified testing of special students. (MD)

At Montpelier (Vermont) High School, faculty members, in collaboration with University of Vermont colleagues, received a federal U.S. Department of Education grant to make personalized learning plans based on students' strengths and goals a reality for disabled and nondisabled students. The process empowered students and enhanced family…