Researchers have found that middle school students undergo developmental changes that require unique educational structures and support. As a result, experts have suggested a number of specific strategies for organizing middle schools in order to best meet students' needs. This Information Capsule summarizes middle school redesign initiatives that…

This guide, designed for families of children with disabilities and educators in Washington state, is intended to provide a shared understanding of special education and encourage partnership for the child's benefit. Each section specifies what families and educators should expect, their responsibilities, possible questions to ask, and their…

This guide provides information to assist in developing and monitoring programming for students with learning disabilities. It focuses on key components of programming based on research and best practices. Expected outcomes of implementing the suggested strategies are described for each key component. The guide stresses that these key components…

The 19 chapters of this text on assessment in special education are divided into two parts. Part 1 discusses basic concepts in assessment in special education. Part 2 addresses the special education process by describing steps in the assessment continuum. Individual chapters examine the following topics: (1) an introduction to assessment; (2)…

This book provides basic information about Asperger Syndrome by addressing issues related to the characteristics of the disorder and outlining basic methods to facilitate the growth and development of children and youth with Asperger Syndrome. Chapter 1, "Understanding the Meaning and Nature of Asperger Syndrome," provides the diagnostic criteria…

This Alaskan state plan details services to be provided to preschool, elementary, and secondary students for Fiscal Years 1995, 1996, and 1997 under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The state plan discusses compliance and services under IDEA provisions that address: (1) the right to education; (2) full educational…

Position papers of the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities during 1981-1994 and information about this committee's history, mission, and operational procedures are presented. The position papers and statements are as follows: "Learning Disabilities: Issues on Definition" (1981); "In-service Programs in Learning…

This final report discusses the outcomes of a 4-year project designed to identify all children in Kentucky who are deaf-blind and provide training and technical assistance to improve the quality of special education and related services in Kentucky for children ages birth through 21 who are deaf-blind. The children are in integrated environments…

This final report describes the process and steps the Kansas Services Project for Children and Youth with Dual Sensory Impairments Project (KSDSIP) has taken to provide services and technical assistance for infants, toddlers, children and youth with deaf-blindness. The 4-year federally funded project met federally-set priorities through…

Part of a seven-book series called "Programming for Students with Special Needs," this book offers all teachers information to enhance their understanding of learning disabilities and provides practical strategies to assist in teaching students with special needs. Section 1 discusses the definition of learning disabilities, labeling, and…

This collection of 64 papers from a 1997 international conference of special educators focuses on the challenges of diversity in education. Topics of the papers include: (1) assessment strategies for individuals with autism; (2) self-determination strategies for at-risk youth with learning, behavior, and emotional disabilities; (3) developing…