This paper considers how teachers, psychologists and policymakers can respect the rights of all school students, through methods that are principled, humane, cost-effective and democratic. It examines how special educational needs and disability (SEND) services affect all school students and teachers, and their rights. The paper considers the…

In a world of ever-changing educational trends, it is essential for educators to provide a continuum of services to meet the needs of all students. Therefore, employing an inclusive structure or environment is imperative to the implementation of Special Education laws, according to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Every Student…

Education reform has been on a new path over the last 15 years; a path that leads to more accountability, more choice for students and parents, highly qualified teachers, as well as, best practices in instruction. In an effort to move along the path of reform and as a result of previous reform, the 2004 reauthorization of IDEA reviewed the field…

The article explains the usefulness of PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) in streamlining exceptional student referral processes. With PERT, realistic time and personnel needs can be established, and the status of every referral can be known at all times. The initial step in PERT breaks the process into small manageable units and…

The article addresses implementing a prereferral intervention model as the first step in special education services delivery system. The model includes four prereferral stages (request for consultation, consultation, observation, conference), and two referral stages (formal referral and program meeting). (Author/CL)

The paper provides guidelines for the classroom teacher in making effective referrals for special education services. The three phases of the referral process are delineated: (1) identification of the problem, (2) documentation/intervention, and (3) the activation of screening and staffing teams. Detailed suggestions for conducting the activities…

This study attempted system-wide institutionalization of a consultation-based ancillary service delivery model into the norms and work behaviors of the elementary school organization, through modifying the role and function of members of existent school-based multidisciplinary Child Study Teams (CSTs) and the demonstration of the potential of the…

A project was undertaken to develop a model for the referral, intervention, assessment, and appropriate placement of regular and special education students in one California school district. The district's existing system was rated according to effectiveness, supportiveness, efficiency, clarity, and flexibility. Results were used to develop the…

Four papers focus on implementation of protection in evaluation procedures (PEP) specified in P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. Each of the authors commissioned to develop guidelines in PEP are represented: Reginald Jones ("Protection in Evaluation Procedures: Criteria and Recommendations"); Jane Mercer…

A model is provided for local schools to follow in developing a cooperative and active agreement with the local vocational rehabilitation agency. Information is provided from a joint memorandum from the Commissioners of Education and Rehabilitation Services at the federal level to assist local educational agencies in developing their own policies…

The report presents recommendations of a commission for improving special education in New York City. The commission conducted interviews with over 300 persons, held 2 days of public hearings, and reviewed documents, publications, and laws and documents in New York and eight other states. Recommendations are offered for four major topic areas: (1)…

A microeconomic paradigm is proposed for the evaluation of special education in schools. The special education process is described in three phases: referral to special education by the classroom teacher; special classroom program; and mainstreaming. The relationship between referral by teachers, classroom resources, and students' desirable…

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,…

Presents a model for evaluating culturally and linguistically different students to determine whether a learning problem is being created or exacerbated by sociocultural variables or a handicapping condition. The model presented allows examiners to put into practice an assessment procedure that uses a more holistic approach, incorporates informal…

This paper presents a model for compensating school districts for implementing effective prereferral programs, in order to promote the most appropriate service delivery for all students. The model develops formulae based upon changes in regular and special education enrollment, and includes state monies allocated to special education. Variables in…