This manuscript offers an approach to secure needed SBMHS for students with disabilities through unique applications within the IEP development process, informed by an analysis of recent case law. We will discuss six components of this approach. First, the need for SBMHS must be established through evaluation data. Data sources to confirm the need…

With the inclusion of Special Education Needs (SEN) students in public schools in many countries, there are increasing demands for designing professional development (PD) programs that meet the needs of in-service teachers in inclusive education settings. This paper proposes a framework for creating a PD program for in-service teachers who are…

The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) conducted a needs assessment to understand and describe early childhood services for preschool-age children with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) in the state of Connecticut. In collaboration with the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), NIEER developed survey…

Because of the important role secondary special educators have in the transition to adulthood of adolescents with disabilities, it behooves educators to have an understanding of human development. The lifespan perspective on human development is particularly relevant to transition planning. Individuals with a lifespan perspective believe…

The individual education program (IEP) is of critical importance to educators, parents, and students. Through the IEP process school-based teams (a) assess the educational needs of a student, (b) develop meaningful and measurable goals that direct the student's program, (c) develop and implement a program of special education and related services,…

The article focuses on a practical prioritization process as a method to bridge the gap between assessment and planning of individualized education programs for severely handicapped students. This prioritization process is based upon a set of criteria agreed to by planning teams which include educators, related service personnel, and families.…

The purpose of this 1988 follow-up study was to augment findings previously obtained in a comprehensive needs assessment regarding appropriate physical education programming for mainstreamed students. The current educational needs of elementary and secondary public school teachers were determined. Information was sought on teachers' experience,…

The presentation reviews the evolution of a summer special education assessment team. The interdisciplinary team grew from a due process specialist and occupational therapist to include a speech clinician. Their roles changed from processing students for special education to facilitating the transition of students and their families from private…

The Education TECH Point system can be used by school districts as a tool to develop effective federally required assistive technology delivery systems for students with disabilities. The technique involves the systematic analysis of questions concerning: initial referral, evaluation, extended assessment, plan development, implementation, and…

Recent federal and state laws and regulations mandate new and increased services for handicapped students served by local school districts and educational service agencies. Public Law 94-142 requires that free appropriate educational programs be provided for all handicapped children. To react appropriately to both federal and state mandates and to…

Literature on the topic of preparing teachers for mainstreaming was reviewed, with focus on research and writings involving: (1) teacher attitudes toward mainstreaming; (2) teachers' expressed needs in regard to mainstreaming; (3) development of preservice education programs which provide a base of knowledge and experience in mainstreaming; (4)…

This study examined: (1) the current level and quality of participation by students with disabilities in the Individualized Education Program (IEP)/transition planning process and annual meetings; (2) the extent to which teachers expect and enable special education students to participate in that process; and (3) factors that may foster or…

This Texas state plan presents proposals for provision of services to people with autism. It is noted that less than 25 percent of the estimated 8,500 persons with autism in Texas are currently receiving services. Preliminary sections look at the nature of autism, the numbers of Texans with autism, the responsibilities of the Interagency Council…

A participant's manual for the training of special education teachers in the development of individualized educational plans (IEPs) for special needs students is presented. The materials are provided in the form of five modules which can be used together or independently. The objectives of each of the modules is that the participant will be able…

Guidelines in this publication are concerned with the provision of counseling as a related service for handicapped children, and are written to assist school personnel in discharging their responsibilities when the Committee on the Handicapped (COH) determines that a pupil requires counseling. Legal authorization for such counseling is reviewed…