Over 6.5 million youth and their families are eligible for early intervention or special education services (Data Accountability Center, 2011) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA). The principal mechanism by which goals, objectives, services, and placements are determined for Part B of the IDEA are Individualized…

This report by the Council of the Great City Schools to the Rochester City School District presents the organization's findings and recommendations for improving the special education program in the school system, placing special emphasis on the organizational structure of the program, accountability, and how the instructional program generally…

The work group report identifies three priority areas for improved community services for disabled adolescents: (1) service systems deficient because of lack of consumer orientation, integration, access to services and systemwide planning, (2) inadequate leadership, and (3) lack of adequate accountability. (CL)

The author suggests that the most effective method of serving mainstreamed secondary level disabled students is through a comprehensive support system delivered by direct involvement of special needs teachers in the mainstreamed classes. (CL)

Individualized service planning for handicapped individuals requires a formalized tracking mechanism to determine the effectiveness of services, tools for encouraging interagency cooperation, systematized intervention, communication, coordination, and accountability procedures. A three-tiered system is presented that illustrates separate processes…

The report describes results of a project to review the implementation of various laws, regulations, procedures, and programs for handicapped students which have evolved during the last 5 years in New Hampshire. Accomplishments since passage of P.L. 94-142 (the Education for All Handicapped Children Act) include development of a 5 year plan for…

Participation by agencies in a network can provide access to a wider range of services and resources for the handicapped and can enable additional agencies to take advantage of information regarding specialized resources and services to the benefit of unlimited others. The major obstacle to effective networking is the fear that participation in a…

Intended for local educational administrators and practitioners, the technical assistance guide addresses student related and program related connections in providing vocational programs for handicapped students at the secondary level. Following an introductory section, section II looks at the structure of vocational systems by explaining the…

Factors effecting the success of preschool early intervention programs for children birth through age five are discussed. Specific issues covered include building a high quality program, maintaining quality instruction, integrating related services, providing the least restrictive environment, identifying participants, designing the delivery…

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, together with the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, set in motion policy changes that have allowed many thousands of children and youth with disabilities in the United States the opportunity to gain the educational and vocational skills needed to transition to living, working, and participating as…

State and local efforts at interagency collaboration for handicapped children are examined in a report that first describes the mandates of P.L. 94-142, The Education For All Handicapped Children Act. Effective approaches to state-level interagency collaboration in Louisiana, Delaware, Maine, New Jersey, Michigan, Rhode Island, Massachusetts,…

The authors discuss how the existing vocational rehabilitation systems can be more effective in job placement. (SBH)

The author describes the parent training model as a viable alternative to delivering services to train parents of handicapped children. (SB)

The following papers were delivered at a symposium on improving the nutritional status of a child who is chronically ill or handicapped: (1) "Planning Comprehensive Health Services for the Chronically Ill/Handicapped Child; (2) "Future National Directions in Maternal and Child Health"; (3) "Nutrition Services in a State Crippled Children's…

The responsibilities and duties of administrators in special education are examined, particularly with regard to mainstreaming. Knowledge of disabilities, educational trends, and specific agencies and community services is necessary as well as an understanding of the legal requirements of P.L. 94-142 (The Education for All Handicapped Children…