The primary message of the Supreme Court's ruling in "Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District" (hereinafter "Endrew F.," 2017) was that school districts are obligated to "offer an IEP [individualized education program] that is reasonably calculated to enable the child to make progress appropriate in light of the…

This article describes a project to help educators improve the self-determination of students with disabilities. The project identified critical curricular components and developed a checklist to evaluate the different curricula designed to promote self-determination skills. Five curricula that have published research documenting their…

Educators are provided with five suggestions for evaluating popular articles about learning disabilities. Suggestions include identifying the article's major focus, determining the perspective of the author, evaluating the theoretical soundness of the article, evaluating use of terminology, and evaluating the overall usefulness of the article. (DB)

Presents a process for developing a system for monitoring literacy learning in students with disabilities. The three phases of developing the monitoring system include establishing learning targets, developing procedures, and refining the system. Examples of analyzing instructional routines for monitoring reading achievement are provided. (CR)

Presents an annotated bibliography of 19 selected journal articles or documents on instructionally relevant assessment for students with disabilities. Items were originally published from 1992 through 1997. Each listing includes bibliographic data, a descriptive annotation and, for documents, an identification number for access through the ERIC…

Discussion of instructional rubrics in classes that include student with disabilities considers what rubrics do, the different kinds of rubrics, and nine guidelines for using rubrics. Principles are illustrated with a classroom project to develop a rubric to evaluate Web sites. Some Web sites on rubrics are listed. (Contains references.) (DB)

A portfolio assessment system is suggested to bind quantitative and qualitative data together to produce a broader reflection of the learning of special education students. The value of portfolios in communicating skills and talents and in reflecting growth is described, along with the importance of student involvement in the process. (JDD)

Describes how to use curriculum-based assessment (CBA) in inclusive settings using the following steps: (1) analyze the curriculum; (2) prepare items to meet curriculum objectives; (3) probe frequently; (4) load data using a graph format; and (5) yield to results, revisions and decisions. Examples are provided. (CR)

Describes a three-step plan is described that general and special educators can use to obtain assessment information from children with linguistically diverse backgrounds. The steps include identifying the assessment's purpose (which involves how students approach learning tasks, apply their knowledge, and attain final outcomes), knowing the child…

This article discusses the development of the Sexuality Education Protocol and a set of questions designed to assist educators in reviewing sexuality curricula for their students with disabilities. The questions address whether the curriculum reflects the values of students' families and if it is appropriate for students' ages and ability level.…

This article discusses how teachers can familiarize their students, with and without disabilities, with rubric terminology and the use of rubrics. It addresses why rubrics should be used, designing a rubric, and current uses of rubrics. A chocolate chip cookie rubric is provided as an example. (Contains 7 references.) (CR)

This article includes a definition of grading rubrics, a rationale for their use, the benefits of rubrics, and ways to introduce rubrics to students with learning disabilities using the RUBRIC strategy. Rubric resources for teachers are listed, and common problems and suggestions for using grading rubrics are discussed. (Contains 9 references.)…

Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences offers educators a comprehensive framework for identifying giftedness in diverse student populations. A definition of problem types is presented that, when combined with varied intelligences, forms a problem-solving matrix for designing assessment procedures and developing curriculum. (JDD)

The potential of portfolio assessment in special education is addressed, including its value in displaying authentic tasks, a listing of potential portfolio items, advantages of portfolio assessment, possible problems, examples from special education, case studies, and guidelines for developing and using portfolios. (DB)

Literature-based guidelines for teaching science to students with disabilities include choosing appropriate curriculum materials; using effective instructional strategies (i.e., tutoring, cooperative learning, mnemonic strategies, self-monitoring); adapting specific science activities; and using effective assessment procedures. (DB)