Educators from four states participated in a pilot study to enhance and field-test an assessment guide for assisting teams in creating student-centered behavior plans. The assessment guide attempts to consciously match the multi-layered tenets of positive behavior support with the behavioral intervention and support process for maximum…

The National Dropout Prevention Center for Students with Disabilities (NDPC-SD) was assigned the task of compiling, analyzing, and summarizing the data for Indicator 1--Graduation--from the FFY 2010 Annual Performance Reports (APRs) and amended State Performance Plans (SPPs), which were submitted by states to the Office of Special Education…

During SY 2009-2010, the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) continued their efforts to improve the validity and reliability of data reporting. BIE data collections are dependent on school level entry (self reporting) into the Native American Student Information System (NASIS) or into the Bureau's Annual Report from the schools. In addition,…

The reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, December 3, 2004, (IDEA '04) and its implementing federal regulations, October 13, 2006, prompted the need to revise Virginia's special education regulations. Input was received from a Stakeholders Group that included school personnel, parents, consumers,…

This study determined the effectiveness of Kindergarten Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies (K-PALS) for students with disabilities. The researchers randomly assigned 89 kindergartners with individualized education programs (IEPs) from 47 classrooms to control (n = 9); K-PALS Level 1 (teachers received 1-day workshop; n = 19); or K-PALS Level 2…

In April 2007, Federal No Child Left Behind regulations were finalized that provided states with additional flexibility for assessing some students with disabilities. The regulations allowed states to offer another assessment option, alternate assessments based on modified academic achievement standards (AA-MAS). States are not required to have…

For many students with disabilities to be successful learners in the general education curriculum, they must receive supplemental aids and services. Assistive Technology commonly referred to as AT, fits both the definition of supplemental aids as well as related services for students with disabilities. Assistive Technology services and devices…

The purpose of this article is to analyze parental use of an online support group about their children with disabilities. A content analysis was conducted of 1718 emails from a listserv support group for parents of children who have been diagnosed as eligible for special education services. Key topics included the following: How to deal with…

In the United States, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (2004) mandates functional assessment based behavioral support plans for all students with disabilities who display challenging behavior. However, very few studies have been undertaken to examine the effectiveness of the functional assessment-based behavioral plans with high…

This guide and accompanying audiotape are intended to be used as part of a series of lessons to involve students in participating in the development of their own Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The guide begins with answers to nine basic questions which address the IEP's purpose, the IEP meeting, and reasons for student participation.…

The booklet is composed of columns that have appeared in each issue of "PACESETTER," a newsletter published by PACER Center, a coalition of 18 Minnesota disability organizations focusing on appropriate education for handicapped students. Columns are intended to address topics of interest to parents, including changes that may be made in students'…

Requirements for individualized plans of instruction for special education students are discussed separately and a description of a combined plan is offered. The individualized education program (IEP) is reviewed in terms of identification and referral, development of the assessment plan, assessment, development and implementation of the IEP, IEP…

Intended for special education directors responsible for managing preparation of individualized education programs (IEPs), the booklet suggests ways to streamline the IEP process by using computers. An initial chapter suggests ways to reduce the IEP paperwork, such as preselecting goal areas and proposed objectives in advance of the IEP meeting.…

Teachers serving children with disabilities in the regular preschool environment face challenges working within the typical small group instructional framework while systematically targeting specific skill acquisition goals. This paper describes a model integrated preschool/daycare program that uses a matrix-type process for determining the most…

The paper addresses the issue of access by disabled persons to the world of work, independence, and adulthood by defining the concept of least restrictive employment and presenting a framework for incorporating it into the public schools. Least restrictive employment is viewed as the placement of disabled youth in paid, integrated employment with…