This article reviewed eligibility factors for extended school year services (ESYS) for students with disabilities. Fifty-seven ESYS cases were evaluated for factors used in decisions concerning eligibility and program appropriateness. Eligibility factors included: regression-recoupment, student progress, critical development period, and…

Survey responses of 50 State Directors of Special Education indicated wide discrepancies among states in how extended year services for severely handicapped students are provided. The article presents legal and educational bases in support of extended year programing and stresses the need for empirically based program guidelines. (Author/DB)

This review of the legal issues concerning eligibility for extended school year services for children with severe disabilities addresses both statutory and case law, as well as practical guidelines to help educators comply with federal statutes, especially the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of…

A survey of 66 chapters of a national autism society found that the availability of extended school year (ESY) services is increasing. Significant variation was found in how states determine eligibility, in the duration of ESY programs, and in the length of ESY days; parental dissatisfaction was also reported. (JDD)

Analysis of records of 194 students with severe disabilities (105 extended school year [ESY] and 89 students ineligible for ESY) found that ESY students were younger and had more medically diagnosed health impairments. Provided are a literature review and an eligibility checklist for use in making ESY decisions more explicit. (JDD)