The purpose of this historical study was to investigate the inclusion of students with special needs in school-based, agricultural education as reported by The Agricultural Education Magazine and the Journal of Agricultural Education over a time period of six decades. The impact of landmark legislation, such as the Vocational Education Act of…

The purpose of this study is to interview high school teachers of English Language Arts and special educators who are partners in a co-teaching model. It is important to understand the perceptions of teachers using co-teaching models to learn about the strengths of the program, as well as areas for improvement. In 1975, public education changed…

Since 1966 when we began our careers in special education, we and others in our cohort have seen substantial changes in our discipline. In our personal experience, we had the opportunity to work together in situations that led us to focus on practices and procedures that produced better outcomes for our students, and better outcomes for students…

A fundamental social justice issue worldwide is how to meet the needs of all learners, especially those with special needs who historically have faced discrimination, exclusion, and oppression due to special needs (physical, cognitive, or behavioral dimensions). This article focuses on the key questions that researchers interested in improving…

This paper reviews characteristics of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), possible causes of ASD, current demographic information, the effects on the individual with ASD and the family, as well as diversity and multicultural issues related to autism. Additionally, the paper provides pertinent information about students with ASD for both general…

Response to Intervention (RtI) is a general education initiative that takes place prior to evaluation for placement in special education. Essentially, the first two tiers of RtI require general education teachers to use research-based instruction with all students and then to evaluate the effectiveness of that instruction. Given that the use of…

It takes a school, as opposed to a single teacher, to properly educate persons with disabilities. In addition to the potential for effectiveness, such an approach may very well come with economic benefits. At one point universities offered teacher preparation programs almost solely for specific majors, such as special education. Now, lines between…

What would schools and classrooms look like if they truly mirrored our democratic ideals? In this issue of the Occasional Papers, five authors explore current and historical questions related to the inclusion of children with disabilities in public schools. The history of educating children with disabilities--an ongoing civil rights issue--has…

The aim of this issue is to provide readers with a better understanding of the inexplicable connection between school, community, and incarceration, and how better prepared professionals can make a difference in the lives of youth in the school-to-prison pipeline (STPP). This issue provides readers with an awareness of the current status of the…

Answers eight questions concerning the teaching of reading to handicapped children. Includes background information on Public Law 94-142, discussions of mainstreaming and "least restrictive alternatives," and suggestions about instructional practices for use with the handicapped learner. (MKM)

In connection with the provisions of Public Law 94-142, Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, the article offers some considerations for teaching the visually handicapped, with implications for industrial arts. Only minor changes need be made for mainstreaming these students; the teacher's attitude is a vital factor. (MF)

At least 10% of students in private Christian schools are considered students with special needs. Private Christian schools vary in the degree to which they educate these students and in the approaches that they take toward educating them. This study examines whether or not private Christian Schools are allowing students with special needs access…

Parallels between accepted educational practices and the provisions of Public Law 94-142 (the Education for All Handicapped Children Act) are presented. Each of the nine provisions of the act are stated and discussed, including areas such as individualized educational programs and mainstreaming. (PHR)

Professionals and researchers once suggested that about 6% or 7% of all students had serious emotional disturbance (SED). Congress thought about the cost, and then thought otherwise. As a result, Congress created a 2% solution, and then wrote the law in a way that discouraged identification of students with SED. Schools must obviously also have…

Mainstreaming handicapped students without providing adequately for their special needs is malpractice and may lead to litigation. (Author)