As states grapple with competing priorities and constrained resources, there is an increasing focus on efficiency and alignment of programs and resources across state agencies. The College and Career Readiness and Success (CCRS) Center recently analyzed and compared four federal laws that govern the education-to-workforce pipeline. They are: (1)…

This guide is designed as a reference for District and School personnel working with English learners (ELs). The content of the guide represents a compilation of information, examples, and resources. This guide is a living document and subject to frequent updates. It is recommended to review the document online rather than printing a hard copy.

The Study of Monitoring and Improvement Practices under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) examined how states monitored the implementation of IDEA by local special education and early intervention services programs. State monitoring and improvement practices in 2004-05 and 2006-07 were the focus of the study. Prior to the…

The article examines problems arising from a lack of constructive, interpersonal communication and discusses prevalent trends in administration which focus more on technological and electronic advancements than daily staff concerns. The author proposes the need for a proactive administrative approach, introducing a help-giving attitude rather than…

Still unanswered questions exist about the provision of physical education to handicapped students as stipulated in P.L. 94-142, The Education For All Handicapped Children Act. Among these questions are issues of placement, assessment, and personnel qualifications. Scheduling aspects assume critical importance. (CL)

The manual is intended to help school administrators regionalize special education services. The procedures described are modeled after those of a regional effort in Maine to address the needs of moderately and severely handicapped students. Four major steps are outlined: (1) establishing communication to clarify issues, gather information, and…

The study by the Educational Priorities Panel, a coalition of 25 parent and civic organizations serving as an independent fiscal watchdog over New York City's Board of Education, examines the expenditures of the special education budget. Findings and recommendations are presented for each of four chapter topics (sample recommendations in…

In this paper, ways that microcomputers may assist administration of special services are put forth. Then, considerations for local-level special services administrators in developing and managing information systems are discussed, followed by similar discussion for state-level administrators. (Author/CL)

Two poor inner city predominantly Black school districts (East St. Louis and Lovejoy, Illinois) entered into a joint agreement to enhance delivery of special education services to their children. Initial mistrust began to give way when a common philosophy was reached. Approaches developed included diagnostic and prescriptive teaching and…

PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique), an approach developed by the Navy to identify time and cost resources and organize steps to streamline management, can smooth the special education referral process. PERT is a sophisticated scheduling method which, when adapted to the district, can expose bottlenecks, accurately estimate timelines,…

Questionnaires were developed to identify California education agencies currently using microcomputers in special education program management and completed by 334 Special Education Local Planning Area directors, County Offices of Education, and districts. Data revealed that regardless of district size or organization type, a majority performed…

The paper addresses issues in special education program evaluation. Introductory information examines the mandate for state monitoring under P.L. 94-142, The Education For All Handicapped Children Act, and reviews state monitoring approaches undertaken in Nebraska, Missouri, and North Carolina. A nine-step procedure designed to help policymakers…

The article represents a literature based set of practical guidelines regarding mainstreaming in the areas of inservice method, format, planning, goals and objectives, location, scheduling, evaluation, incentives, training personnel, school administration, and instructional materials. (Author/CL)

Increasingly, software is being developed for special education administrative purposes, including Individualized Education Program development and documentation, database management for reporting and monitoring instructional programs for federal accountability, statistical analysis for program monitoring, and creative uses. The widespread use of…

The handbook is designed for school administrators interested in evaluating their special education program. It contains information about techniques which may be used to gather evaluation data about programs, including goals attainment scaling, goal free evaluation, the Q-sort Technique, comparison of educational plans and service delivery, cost…