This case study uses an institutional ethnography approach to investigate the experiences of the parents of a son who has autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as they engaged in meetings related to his progress and placement with school personnel over the course of one school year. Through an analysis of the discourse used in these meetings and…

The originators of special education law anticipated disputes and provided due process hearings as a means to settle the disputes. However, due process proved to be unfair, costly (financially and emotionally), and destructive to school-family relationships. Years later, lawmakers offered mandated mediation along with resolution meetings in…

The primary mechanism for ensuring students with disabilities receive the right educational content and rigor at the right moment in their education is the individualized education program (IEP). This document, "Ensuring an Equitable Opportunity: Providing a High-Quality Education for Students with Disabilities," details policy and…

This article outlines parents' struggle to secure adequate educational resources for their child(ren) with special educational needs within the Irish State system. The authors challenge the view that legislation facilitates practical advances that are meaningful to individual families. This small-scale exploratory study reports the findings from…

The Individual Education Plan (IEP) process plays a vital role in the instructional process of the individual with ELN (exceptional leaning needs). The IEP process helps to level the playing field for students with ELN against those students that do not have diagnosed learning problems. From the parents to the students to the IEP staff, they all…

This article examines what we know about the experience of parents in the special education system--in particular, parents of children with learning disabilities since the passage of PL-94-142. Toward this end, I offer a review of special education literature about parent and professional collaboration, a rationale for relying upon a plurality of…

Students in special education programs can have widely divergent experiences. For some, special education amounts to a dumping ground where schools unload their problem students, while for others, it provides access to services and accommodations that drastically improve chances of succeeding in school and beyond. "Distinguishing…

Marlene Wyatt is the mother of three children ages 5 and under. Her middle child, Liz, who is approaching her third birthday, has an autism spectrum disorder. There is never an unclaimed minute at home or work for Marlene. Her husband frequently works overnight and weekend shifts. Marlene works as a custodian at the local school. The family…

Examines the use of consultation and school-based multidisciplinary team conferences in the delivery of educational and psychological services for mainstreamed handicapped children. Step-by-step illustrations of problem solving in a consultative relationship are extended to team problem solving. Reviews research that supports these practices. (GLR)

Intended for parents, the manual discusses in detail the education of handicapped children, with a focus on the state of Texas. Section 1 provides basic information and covers such aspects as basic laws and regulations--including the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (P.L. 94-142), case law, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of…

Data from 45 state special education directors describe current attempts by states to comply with Public Law 94-142 mandates for assigning surrogate parents. findings showed that eight states used a media campaign to inform the public of the need for surrogate parents and 12 states have identified a pool of individuals to serve as surrogate…

The book presents a series of papers on mainstreaming that were part of a University of Michigan seminar for special education doctoral students. In Part I, "The Origins and Evolution of Mainstreaming," the authors discuss the various forces that have encouraged the development of mainstreaming and the least-restrictive-environment…

The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (PL 94-142) mandates a number of counseling and allied services for the handicapped and their parents. Outlines many competencies that need to be considered in developing preservice and in-service programs for counselors serving the handicapped. (Author)

Intended as a resource both for Hearing Officers who must officiate at due process hearings mandated by the Education for All Handicapped Children Act to determine the educational status of handicapped children, and for those responsible for the training of such officers, the manual outlines relevant information concerning due process, including a…

College personnel from a Special Services Program explain how parents, students, and school psychologists can best prepare high school seniors with disabilities for the transition to college. The difference between accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act versus Public Law 94-142 is highlighted with an emphasis on those needs which…