The article focuses on the provisions of Public Law 94-142 (the Education for All Handicapped Children Act) which involve nondiscriminatory assessment procedures. The author proposes the use of nondiscriminatory decision-making processes using data obtained from intervention effectiveness statistics rather than norm referenced tests. (PHR)

In an investigation of the impact of the psychological/educational diagnostic process on the parents of young children at risk for developmental delay, 18 families completed questionnaires and were interviewed concerning their child's evaluation. Transcribed interviews conducted 1-2 weeks after the evaluation and 4 months after the evaluations…

The application of curriculum-based assessment (CBA) procedures across five decision-making areas in special education is presented, including screening and referring, determining eligibility and classifying, planning programs, monitoring progress and modifying programs, and evaluating programs. CBA procedures are proposed as a feasible,…

The report describes the University of Florida Multidisciplinary Diagnostic and Training Program (MDTP), jointly administered through the Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Special Education. It functions as a diagnostic, training, and consultative resource to local school districts in north central Florida and provides short-term…

Characteristics of new teams are reviewed with attention being given to variables that must be addressed to ensure their effectiveness. A process model of team building also is described, and implications of research on group effectiveness for multidisciplinary teams in schools are discussed. (Author/PN)

The author reviews current practices in the educational diagnosis of exceptional children and proposes a model for more effective identification, screening, and evaluation of students with special needs. Problems and benefits of models in current use (multidisciplinary team approach, the training based model, and the psychometric approach) are…

The paper describes the collaborative technique used by a school-based team of general and special educators, called a Student Assistance Team (SAT), to serve mainstreamed students and other unidentified "at risk" students in the regular classroom in a timely and efficient manner. The SAT referral process has five steps: teacher requests…

Several dimensions of early identification of disabling conditions are discussed, including the relationship between early identification and prevention. Preventative components are described for child find, screening, assessment, and program planning. Assumptions behind screening and assessment guidelines are discussed, emphasizing the assumption…

The purpose of this document is to suggest guidelines for the identification and assessment of children who should participate in programs related to the infant-toddler (Part H) and the preschool (Part B, Section 619) components of Public Law 99-457, the Education of the Handicapped Amendments of 1986. The guidelines integrate information from the…

Part of a volume which explores current issues in service delivery to infants and toddlers with handicapping conditions, this chapter discusses the nature of parent involvement in early childhood special education. Acceptance of the basic axiom of parent involvement needs to be accompanied by an understanding of individual differences in family…

Part of a volume which explores current issues in service delivery to infants and toddlers (ages birth to 3) with handicapping conditions, this chapter defines the team concept as it relates to the field of early intervention and describes three approaches (multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary) commonly used to organize…

A framework is presented to help teachers become aware of classroom modifications possible in the regular classroom and to determine whether to refer IndoChinese students to special education when their needs cannot be met through modifications. Services that can be provided both before and after the child becomes a participant in a regular…

The handbook is intended for the special education teacher and covers all aspects of mainstreaming according to the Monroe model, developed in Monroe County, Michigan. The model focuses on the special education teacher/consultant, who provides direct diagnostic and instructional services to special students, and indirect services to building…

This manual describes a process by which the pooling of resources, appropriate analyses, and utilization of vocational programs and personnel can be combined to provide a reasoned approach to the assessment of the training and employment potential of handicapped individuals. Section I begins with a review of the program that developed assessment…

This book tells the story of the Kids are People School in Boston, Massachusetts, which began as a day care facility, enthusiastically welcomed children with special needs, and developed a multicultural inclusive elementary school. It is the story of the school's determination to provide the therapeutic services essential for each child's…