To support proactive leadership, the Aspen Institute Education & Society Program proposes five potential strategies system leaders can use to implement the ideas proposed in the "Call to Action" and, ultimately, to pursue social, emotional, and academic development (SEAD) through a racial equity lens. The strategies discussed in this…

The article discusses role release, an important process in transdisciplinary procedures for severely handicapped students. Different levels and types of role release are discussed and strategies for its implementation are presented. (Author/CL)

The importance of transdisciplinary research is noted, and guidelines emphasize planning and cooperation among team members. Recommendations address ways to break down disciplinary barriers and view the coordinator's role as facilitator. (CL)

The article proposes a three-dimensional model for conceptualizing problems in the functioning of interdisciplinary team's for handicapped students: (1) as a developing and changing entity, (2) as a set of subsystems, and (3) as a function unit. Each dimension is described and examples of a team dysfunctions within each dimension are provided.…

An eight-step decision-making paradigm appropriate for guiding decisions regarding selection of instructional programming alternatives for visually impaired multiply disabled children is presented. Brief case studies illustrate the application of the paradigm. (Author/DB)

Roles are delineated for vocational teachers, special education teachers, and bilingual teachers in an interdisciplinary approach to vocational education of limited or non-English-speaking secondary handicapped students. (CL)

The paper reviews difficulties in special education interdisciplinary team decision making and relates the experiences of one team's efforts to increase intra-team communication. Among problems cited are lack of focus in discussions, unequal levels of participation, and limited abilities to produce recommendations or provide therapy in a truly…

This booklet summarizes research on best practices for implementing successful small learning communities and career academies. When well implemented, improvements in instructional and personalization strategies in combination with structural supports have demonstrated improved student attendance and learning. "From High School to Learning…

The manual is designed to help Washington state school districts and multidisciplinary assessment teams comply with state and federal rules and regulations regarding assessment of preschool handicapped children. The introductory section focuses on the developmental characteristics of the preschool child. Eligibility criteria in cognitive,…

For interdisciplinary teams to function effectively, members must be cognizant of the effects of group dynamics on team decision-making. Individual characteristics, group characteristics, and situational factors are discussed as they relate to the processes teams use in carrying out their goal of providing early intervention services to children…

Described is a training activity to introduce special educators to the transdisciplinary teaming model in comparison with the multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary models. The group activity highlights critical components of each model. It has been used with more than 100 special education team members in Connecticut to introduce…

The speech-language pathologist's training in language development, language comprehension, and language production makes that person an important member of the learning disabilities multidisciplinary assessment and instructional team. Specific roles of other team members in both assessment and remediation are delineated. (CL)

This guidebook presents ideas about how families and case managers can use case management to increase the integration of people with developmental disabilities into their communities, and how public officials and advocates can promote the trend toward community integration. The guide advocates implementation of the integration philosophy, which…

The manual considers practical issues involved in building and maintaining the effectiveness of school based support teams, interdisciplinary problem solving groups designed to respond to staff needs through crisis intervention, short or long term consultation, and continuous support. Separate sections address the following topics (sample…

This article discusses: the concept of team interaction as it relates to early intervention with young special needs children, the evolution of the family's role on the team, and principles and practices for team development of the Individualized Family Service Plan. Examples of exemplary family-focused principles and practices are provided. (JDD)