Nonpublic schools (NPSs) are used by local education agencies (LEAs) across the country to serve students with exceptional needs. These students are often reported to suffer from mental health challenges and engage in severe problem behaviors. The social and financial costs associated with NPS placements are significant, and it is imperative that…

This study investigated the past special education programs and services provided to children and youth who later became incarcerated. Participants in this study were inmates from a medium security state correctional facility in the southwest region of the United States. All inmates involved in this study were identified as having a disability and…

The report presents findings of an audit of preschool special education programs in Washington State. It was found that the enrollment had quadrupled since 1978-79, with the majority of programs center-based. Three school districts over-reported preschool handicapped enrollment, and suggestions are offered for revising enrollment audits and…

Evaluation data are presented for the Open Door infant, toddler, and preschool programs (Las Cruces, New Mexico) for handicapped young children. Effects of intervention are reported in terms of learner gain for each child, mean gains for each child across developmental areas, mean gains for groups within each developmental area, subsequent…

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…

Current efforts in vocational assessment of handicapped secondary students are considered. A model is discussed via five chronological purposes: (1) screening, (2) placement, (3) program planning, (4) monitoring of individual progress, and (5) individual program evaluation. Two fundamental shifts in assessment are projected regarding vocational…

Seven questions are addressed to school officials regarding programs and policies of career/vocational education for handicapped students. Questions touch upon such aspects as curricular scope, continuum of placement and service alternatives, transition services, evaluation procedures, and use of nonschool resources. (CL)

A planned search/selection process can help locate the best possible learning situation for a child needing early intervention services. Parents are offered a detailed checklist for evaluating programs, and are encouraged to consider goals for the coming years, to make site visits to potential programs, and to ask questions. (JDD)

Several issues must be addressed in the process of developing inclusive education in China. This paper reveals that the relevant stakeholders should deal carefully with the relations between universalization and quality enhancement, "learning in a regular classroom" (LRC), and the physical and psychological development of the students.…

Transition practices and parental involvement in early childhood handicapped programs were studied in 74 Illinois public preschool handicapped programs. Data was collected by personal interview of teachers and parents of children enrolled in the programs. Transition practices, including mainstreaming efforts, were found to be inadequately planned…

A framework for vocational assessment that matches handicapped students, curriculum, and training environment is described. The assessment approach is described in regard to screening, educational placement, evaluation of student achievement prior to placement in the curriculum, and assessment of individual progress, and program evaluation. (SEW)

The purpose of Project CMYC (Catch Me if You Can) was to develop and test a model for longitudinal study of local (Texas) Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program graduates and their families. The model called for comparison of ECI graduates and families to a group of children with similar disabilities and of comparable age, who had not…

The report presents findings of the second and third year of a study of the Less Restrictive Placement Personnel Training (LRP) program, designed to develop materials and training to increase the number of students mainstreamed into general education. In the final 2 years of the 3-year program, LRP expanded to include all special education regions…

This article reviews the literature on the perceptions and experiences of parents of children with and without disabilities concerning inclusive educational programs. Findings suggest that attitudes appear to be varied, complex, and multidimensional, and affected by a variety of interacting variables. Implications for inclusive educational…

The final report details results of the Albuquerque Integration Outreach Project, designed to increase awareness about serving young handicapped children in mainstream settings. The performance section presents data on seven project objectives, including developing a project brochure, conducting awareness workshops, disseminating research results…