The trend to include mildly mentally retarded, emotionally disturbed (behavior disordered), and learning disabled children in the same generic category and in the same school programs is increasing. The author believes that the noncategorical trend in special education can endanger the appropriate education of many children. (Author)

The paper compares current practices of identifying students with special educational needs in Australia and Scotland. Noted are problems generated by the abandonment of a category-based approach to such children. Australian and Scottish practice are also compared to United States' experience in light of Public Law 94-142. (Author/DB)

The article explores implications of the noncategorization of exceptional students. One area of concern is that those children who fail in school will be lumped together with handicapped children, which, the author asserts, does an obvious disservice to both. (PHR)

Children screened and served by an early childhood special education department were followed longitudinally through age eight. Results were used to evaluate effectiveness of the screening instrument and criteria which determined service eligibility. The lack of continuity between original and later disability category supported noncategorical…

The literature review examines the issue of whether categorical differentiation and placement of mentally retarded and learning disabled students is educationally warranted. First, the two conditions are defined; next, a comparison between the two on psychological, behavioral-social, and educational characteristics usually ascribed to children so…

The application of noncategorical special education in two states and categorical special education in two companion states was considered, with a focus on program practices and procedures. The effects of grade level, disability severity, and school district size on state and local implementation of the noncategorical approach were examined, and…

This commentary offers authors' reflections on their case-study approach to examining the application of categorical and noncategorical special education (EC 612 095). The reflections address why the authors decided to study this issue, how case study methodology assisted in the study, and implications of the study. (SW)

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…

To evaluate suggested improvements in rural special education services, behavior disordered, learning disabled, and educable mentally handicapped students (total N=89) in grades seven through nine were compared on three measures. Instructionally relevant differences were minimal, the need for categorical resource rooms was questioned, and…

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…