We acknowledge that some students with severe disabilities are not being taught in general education. We do not agree that inclusion in general education is inherently better, nor do we think it is always appropriate, and we provide some reasons that a full continuum of alternative placements is not only legally mandated but appropriate. We are…

In an interview, K. Wyatt, president of The Council for Exceptional Children, discusses issues related to determining the most appropriate and least restrictive environment (LRE) placement for mentally retarded persons. (CL)

The transitional assessment model described here contains the following characteristics: vocational orientation, comprehensive approach, individualized focus, contemporary design, and informal instrumentation. The screening, placement/planning, and monitoring/evaluation services vary in degree depending on the severity of the student's disability.…

P.L. 94-142 carries with it considerable potential for both special and general education. The law, however, is currently surrounded by many myths. It does not, for instance, apply to all handicapped children, but only to those who require special education because of their disability. It does not eliminate all special education classes or require…

Inclusion of students with disabilities, especially those with mental retardation, has come to mean the placement of all students in general education classrooms, sometimes with limited planning for the individual needs of each student. Several court cases, laws, and movements have brought about the level of inclusion that exists today. However,…

Issues that are central to special education and appear destined to remain so are discussed, including professional divisions among special educators and between special and regular educators, the population to be served, individualization, and placement. (JDD)

As an illustration of cases where existing programs and facilities do not meet individual special needs, the article traces the chronology of a behavior disordered male from special class placement in elementary school through his eventual incarceration in the Nebraska penal system. (JW)

The author addresses the problems of P.L. 94-142 (the Education for All Handicapped Children Act) which hinder efforts to provide programs for handicapped students. Considered are problems in child identification, student placement, mainstreaming, individualized education programs, in-service education, and attitudes of teachers and…

It is suggested that the Child Study Team develop alternative educational plans (AEP's) for those referred students who are ineligible for special education. The AEP would be similar to the individualized education plan (IEP), except that the regular classroom teacher would be responsible for implementation. (Author/BW)

A three-stage formal identification procedure is recommended to assure identification of those gifted and talented students who need alternative programing. Following identification of a student, an individual student plan, including such information as a justification for the time the student will lose from the regular curriculum, should be…

A framework for vocational assessment that matches handicapped students, curriculum, and training environment is described. The assessment approach is described in regard to screening, educational placement, evaluation of student achievement prior to placement in the curriculum, and assessment of individual progress, and program evaluation. (SEW)

The Education for All Handicapped Children Act requires school districts to provide handicapped children with an appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. Analyzes several circuit court decisions that provide a reasonable framework for courts to use in deciding least restrictive environment controversies. (MLF)

In "Carter" the Supreme Court affirmed a ruling where parents of a learning-disabled student were afforded tuition reimbursement after unilaterally enrolling the student in a private school. Briefly describes rulings in eight other lower court decisions. Concludes that the "Carter" decision will have little impact on school…

Discusses barriers to integration of handicapped youngsters into school systems: historical legacy of special education; community attitudes; lack of trained educators; disincentives in state funding formulas. Describes regional resource centers providing technical assistance to state agencies, grants for projects on transition from school to…

This article addresses whether or not the assumptions upon which the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) is based remain valid as we approach the 21st century. Eligibility and labeling, free and appropriate public education, the individualized education program, and the least restrictive environment requirements are examined, and…