Individualized education programs (IEPs) reflect the spirit of individualized instruction that lies at the heart of special education. Quality annual goal statements, which propel the implementation of special education programming, use clear language to communicate measurable, meaningful, and standards-aligned expectations to all members of the…

It can be challenging for educators to select intervention tactics based on the function of the student's behavior. In this article, authors offer practical information on behavioral function and environmental-focused intervention ideas for educators developing behavior intervention plans. Ideas are organized according to the hypothesized function…

Guidelines are offered for implementing collaborative models to meet the needs of students with special needs, including clarifying the need for collaboration, identifying the stakeholders of change, identifying the purpose and format of respective structures, setting targets for collaborative change, designing an implementation process, and…

Discusses development of community mentoring structures to increase the educational and vocational success of students. Explains the three essential features of successful mentoring: (1) comprehensive, ongoing representation; (2) training; and (3) coordinated service provision. (DB)

Addresses difficulties in the mentoring relationship, especially of African-American youth. Suggests ways to avoid the risks of "drive-by" mentoring, notes the problem of social distance between mentors and students being mentored, identifies characteristics of ideal mentors, offers guidelines for providing necessary program structure…

This paper outlines the tasks required in developing special education consultation programs to serve special needs students in the least restrictive environment: determination of program goals, selection of models and approaches, identification of specific consulting strategies and tasks, allocation of resources, preparation of affected…

A college preparation curriculum relevant to the needs of students with learning disabilities is presented, focusing on early planning, instructional modifications, strategy instruction, and support services. (JDD)

Issues and concerns in considering school programing needs of children with special health conditions include definition of the population, educational program philosophy, and communication and collaboration. Factors affecting programing for these students include policies for delivery of health care services, personnel training, orientation of…

This discussion of issues in the mentoring of African-American youth defines mentoring, identifies elements of successful mentoring, stresses the importance of recognizing existing family and community assets, and urges parental involvement and a program philosophy which affirms the value of resiliency in children surviving in difficult…

This introductory article in a special issue on mentoring as a means to prevent school failure looks at the beginnings of mentoring in the United States, recent growth of mentoring programs, similarities and differences in mentoring programs, sources of funding for mentoring programs, what works and what does not, and the future of mentoring…