There is extensive research in elementary education on effective practices that support academic success for students with mild to moderate disabilities in general education; however there is a dearth of research on high school inclusion practices. A survey examined the current inclusionary practices at a Central Coast High School. California…

In this article, the authors discuss the creation of an Urban Dual Credential Program (UDCP) at a large, comprehensive state university in California, a program meant to prepare dually-certified teachers in general education (California Multiple Subject Credential) and special education (California Education Specialist Credential in mild/moderate…

Moving Forward Towards Independence, a California-based nonprofit organization founded in 1998 by a group of parents, is a unique residential program where young adults with disabilities learn to enjoy productive, fulfilling and healthy lives within a caring, responsive community made up of fellow residents, trained staff members, parents and…

The article examines the development of new eligibility criteria for handicapped students, their relationship to federal regulations, and their tie to California's special education funding cap of 10% of student enrollment. Technical aspects of the criteria are examined, including two case studies, and recent litigation regarding the new standards…

The case of one language-minority child identified as mildly learning disabled is used to illustrate the concept of special education placement and instruction of language-minority children outlined in California's Optimal Learning Environment curriculum guide. A synopsis of the curriculum guide is included. (Author/MSE)

Special Education administrators (N=33) responded to a comprehensive survey on their use of microcomputers. Decision-making policies and practices indicated high levels of cooperation between special and regular education programs in acquiring hardware and software and in providing teacher training. Implications for subsequent directions for…

The handbook discusses administrative strategies found successful in fostering the integration of mildly handicapped students in five states' school systems (California, Kansas, Massachusets, Minnesota, and Texas). In "Administrative Systems for Service Delivery," T. Oliver describes approaches to streamline referral to placement…

The paper examines problems in the utilization of the Resource Specialist Teacher (RST) mandated by California law to serve handicapped students. The study evaluated whether the RST certificate mandate effectively altered the implementation of the least restrictive environment policy for disabled students in a rural area of northeastern…

This final report describes activities and achievements of a 3-year project using a public school and university partnership structure to jointly recruit, select, train, certify, and retain special educators in a high poverty rural service region of Northeastern California. Emphasis was on improvement of educational services for pupils with high…