Educational and vocational rehabilitation programs both have key roles and responsibilities in improving post-school outcomes for students with disabilities. Both entities must be involved in creating opportunities for students to develop skills and knowledge to prepare for careers in the 21st Century. To help facilitate understanding and promote…

The purpose of this article is to examine the disproportionality among racial/ethnic groups and states for the disability category of "Autism" as reported to the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). Over the past decade, a variety of sources indicated a dramatic increase in the number of students…

This study investigates ethnic differences for 295,945 children and youth with an autism eligibility reported to the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) by 49 states plus the District of Columbia. Data analyses used relative difference, risk index, and risk ratio (RR). Results indicate that 80% of states report underrepresentation across…

While disproportionate representation of students of color has been extensively documented, an understanding of the factors contributing to this phenomenon is limited. The purpose of this paper is to explore existing literature on the premise that a current shortage of special educators of color impacts this overrepresentation. Since the problem…

More than 67,000 preschoolers with disabilities across five states were examined for disproportionate special education eligibilities using risk ratios (RRs). Results indicated children classified as American Indian (RR = 2.25) and Black (RR = 1.64) were disproportionate in one state, whereas children classified as Asian, Hispanic, and White…

Due process is a set of procedures that seeks to ensure fairness of education decisions and accountability, for both parents and educational professionals. The due process hearing provides a forum where disagreements about the identification, evaluation, educational placement, and provision of a free appropriate public education for students with…

In response to the current federal initiative to evaluate the impact of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Personnel Preparation program, the authors summarize prior efforts to evaluate the program and identify common themes and gaps in that work. Also, the authors pose issues and questions for those who seek to understand the impact…

The purpose of this Technology Plan is to address the issues associated with maintaining a strong and effective education program within Indian Country. Given the variety of education approaches coupled with divergent tools and the new demands placed on the infrastructure necessary to positively impact the children of Indian Country, the Bureau of…

American Indian and Alaska Native students with limited English proficiency are overrepresented in special education programs. This digest briefly reviews the legislation and literature pertaining to the influence of language and culture in making referrals, administering assessments, and providing appropriate services to Native students.…

The purpose of this document is to identify the major issues related to Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and state education agency (SEA) general supervision roles and responsibilities in implementing IDEA by building on the work of the MPRRC through an analysis of information obtained from interviewing representatives of both the BIA and five SEAs.…

This handbook describes parent educational rights mandated under federal rules and regulations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, including the amendments of 1997 (IDEA), and the Bureau of Indian Affairs/Office of Indian Education Programs special education eligibility document. Each main topic is preceded by a box that contains a…

Interviews with 106 Apache Native American youth (including 52 who received special education services) who had exited high school between 1988 and 1992 found that 14 special education and 19 general education students were employed. Results are discussed in light of curriculum, cultural implications of employment, and federally mandated…

This report by the House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor presents recommended 1991 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Reauthorization of Part H (the Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities Program) is recommended, with several amendments relating to: (1) transition from early intervention programs to…

This 2005 Annual Report to Congress has two volumes. This volume consists of tables that also were compiled from data provided by the states. Such data are required under the law. In fact, collection and analysis of these data are the primary means by which the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) monitors activities under the…

This document provides information on the procedures for the investigation and resolution of special education complaints for schools or agencies under supervision of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Indian Education Programs (OIEP). Regulations are explained for the following areas: (1) public notification of student rights under federal…