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…

The paper proposes changes from the present categorically based special education service delivery system to a curriculum-based service delivery system. Set forth are problems currently associated with designating students as learning disabled (LD), distinguishing them from those who are simply underachievers or have other handicapping conditions,…

This study investigated the differences in academic achievement of regular education students in noninclusion classrooms and of same-grade students in special education inclusion programs, to assess the impact on regular education achievement of inclusion programs in a particular elementary school. All subjects were second, third, or fourth grade…

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.…

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…

Forty-eight chief state certification officers and 50 state Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) officers responded to a two-part survey on special education certification and the supply and demand of special education and related services personnel. Survey data were considered within the context of recently approved federal…

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…