The purpose of this study was to identify common areas of strength and weakness in teacher preparation programs based on the perceptions of teacher candidates and novice teachers from 14 higher education institutions across three states. The areas investigated included perspectives on teacher preparation related to "Instructional…

One of the key purposes of public education is to prepare young people to reach their full potential as independent adults and engaged citizens. This transition to adulthood may be especially challenging for youth with disabilities. Students enrolled in special education often need additional supports and coordinated planning to prepare for…

Parents face varying degrees of difficulty with getting involved in their children's schools. Using data from a study of parent members of a community organization and structuration theory, I examined how and why parents encountered resistance to their attempts to be more involved and to advocate for their children. This work can broaden our…

We examined parents' satisfaction with multiple aspects of their children's individualized education programs (IEPs). Parents (n= 142) raising children ages 4 to 8 years old with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) reported their satisfaction with four aspects of their children's IEPs: (a) content of the IEP document, (b) services provided, (c)…

We examined parents' satisfaction with multiple aspects of their children's individualized education programs (IEPs). Parents (n = 142) raising children ages 4 to 8 years old with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) reported their satisfaction with four aspects of their children's IEPs: (a) content of the IEP document, (b) services provided, (c)…

This paper explores issues around stigmatisation and labelling as they pertain to pupils with SEBD. The paper draws upon an evaluative case study, conducted in two Scottish local authorities, of the implementation of support groups, and examines how the approach was experienced by pupils who participated within the intervention, drawing from a…

This study examines the results of the Alternative Identification and Reporting (AIR) program, which promoted the nonuse of disability labels for students receiving special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (i.e., students who would previously have been identified as having an emotional/behavioral disorder, specific…

The purpose of this study was to determine the implementation status of Response to Intervention (RtI) in the elementary schools (N = 35) in one urban school district in Virginia. The relationship between the implementation of the academic components of RtI, collective efficacy, parents' trust in schools, the number of referrals for special…

Reduction in the size of classes from Kindergarten to Grade 3 was a major Liberal Party campaign promise in Ontario's 2003 provincial election. It was intended to demonstrate a new government's commitment to improving public education. By the 2008-09 school year, the provincial government's goals had been achieved: over 90% of all primary classes…

Charges that the individualized education plan required by the Education for All Hancicapped Children Act (P.L. 94-142) requires too much time and paperwork, although its philosophy is educationally sound. Suggests that less parental involvement in subsequent I.E.P.'s would be less restrictive. (JAC)

The "Home, School and the IEP (Individualized Education Program)" program was developed in order to provide counseling and training to the parents of autistic children in public schools in Brooklyn, New York, and to improve the behavior and achievement of the children themselves. This report briefly describes and evaluates the program in…

This report discusses the use of mediation and alternative dispute resolution approaches in special education disagreements between the school and the parents of a child with a disability. The procedural safeguards and due process provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are explained. The report notes alternative…

This document reports on a study funded by the Nash Family Foundation designed to assess the impact of participation in the Schools Attuned professional development program on Jewish Day School educators. Participants in this study took part in a 35 hour course and 10 hours of post course follow up, related to the Schools Attuned approach to…

With increased debates over various aspects of special education, it has become apparent that multicultural leadership is needed to prepare school administrators and teachers to design effective special education programs. In this article, the authors discuss several aspects of administering successful programs for multicultural students. To be…

The report presents evaluation findings on the RECURSO Project which was designed to provide training to bilingual teachers, School-Based Support Teams (SBSTs), and parents of limited English proficient (LEP) special education students. Twenty schools with the greatest number of bilingual, self-contained special education classes in grades 3…