The recommendations of the National Association of State Boards of Education's Study Group on Special Education focus on: (1) creation of a new belief system and vision that includes all students; (2) encouragement of collaboration between general and special educators to better serve the diverse student population; and (3) breaking the link…

This article considers how principles of whole-theme constructivism, which integrates multiple learning sources and activates learners' creativity, are used in the University of Alabama's teacher training program, the Multiple Abilities Program. The program centers on the whole-themes of diversity, empowerment, and authenticity. The way these…

This paper discusses whole-theme constructivism as the theoretical framework for the Multiple Abilities Program (MAP), a program at the University of Alabama that prepares teachers to work with students of varying abilities. Whole-theme constructivism, which integrates multiple learning sources and activates learners' creativity, is discussed in…

This report uses text, graphs, and tables to show how Vermont's Act 230 (1990) is being implemented to reform both regular and special education. The Act's goals focus on reducing dependence on categorical programs such as special education and increasing support available to students not eligible for special education through such strategies as…

The Multiple Abilities Program (MAP) at the University of Alabama is a five-semester, competency-based preservice program preparing teachers to teach all students regardless of settings or disability labels. This article outlines the program rationale, organizational framework, and the program feature in which undergraduates spend over 50 percent…

This guide presents the Massachusetts eligibility guidelines to qualify a school age child with special needs to receive special education services. The guidelines are intended to aid in determining what a disability is and the relationship of the disability to determining whether the child is "unable to progress effectively in regular…

This study examined efforts at the local level to reduce the fragmentation of services to students with and without disabilities through the consolidation or blending of federal and state categorical educational programs. Twenty-two state and local program administrators in California, Maryland, and Massachusetts were interviewed. Findings include…

Issues related to blending or consolidating services and funding to better coordinate education for exceptional students are examined in the context of educational reform and the Goals 2000 initiative. Interviews were conducted with approximately 30 federal and state officials between May 1994 and February 1995, focusing on possible barriers in…

This policy brief addresses the issue of issue of whether or not current federal funding policy under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) should be changed from an identification system to an overall population-based system. The current federal funding policy is described, in the context of the legislative history of IDEA.…

This book is written for undergraduate and graduate students in both general and special education, who are being trained to teach students with behavior disorders, mild mental retardation, and learning disabilities. The book's purpose is to provide a comprehensive overview of educational practices that influence the identification, placement, and…