Comprehensive vocational assessment needs to become an integral part of vocational programming in secondary and postsecondary schools, since it is crucial in developing appropriate individualized education plans for students with special needs. A prime focus for vocational assessment should be entrance into vocational education courses. It should…

The notion of intervention strategies is introduced in this paper to explain why and when certain change efforts are successful. It is argued that the choice of control points and the selection of control linkages are determined by characteristics of the task in the implementing agency. Many implementation failures can be attributed to the…

The handbook presents policies and procedures used by the Flour Bluff (Texas) independent school district to identify and provide programs and services for handicapped children. The following areas are addressed: referral process; individual assessment; admission, review, and dismissal committee process; individual educational plan process;…

This article outlines the educational needs of migrant exceptional children in terms of native language instruction, English-as-a-Second-Language instruction, self-concept enhancement, acculturation enhancement, and family and community involvement. The importance of the Individualized Education Program is discussed and a summary list of…

Discussion of microcomputer use in public elementary schools focuses on the field of special education. Two main ways of using computers are described: (1) traditional uses, including administration, computer-assisted instruction, and assessment; and (2) new applications, including programming, word processing, simulations, and prosthetic aids…

Briefly examines the history and current medical knowledge of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Describes general requirements of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EACHA) and how they are applied to the AIDS situation. Suggests that admission of AIDS students to schools be allowed on a case-by-case basis. (IW)

Educational frameworks to accommodate rural America are designed around the concept of smallness and incorporate basic skill development through programed instruction, individual projects, use of volunteers, cross-age tutoring, and computer study. Other areas of focus include community involvement, practical skills, familiarization with the…

This book is intended to facilitate the meaningful inclusion of students with disabilities in district and state assessments as required by the 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. First, an introductory chapter offers reasons for including students with disabilities in district and statewide accountability systems.…

This Digest discusses provisions in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that require functional behavioral assessments (FBAs) and behavioral intervention plans (BIPs) to be conducted prior to a change in placement or suspension for more than 10 days, based on inappropriate behaviors for students with disabilities. It presents…

This mini-bibliography lists readings and resources relating to children and adolescents with autism. It includes annotated bibliographies for sources that address: (1) social skills training for children and adolescents with autism; (2) Asperger syndrome; (3) Individualized Education Programs for students with autism; (4) teaching strategies for…

In 1997, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was reauthorized and new regulations took effect May 11, 1999. Several sections of the regulations pertain to the transition of students with disabilities from school to adult life. This policy update presents the regulatory language and describes potential implications in 11 areas…

This guide to pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) or autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) first provides a review of the literature on defining characteristics of PDD/ASD, causes of PDD, and diagnosis of PDD. Review of intervention and treatment comprises the major portion of the paper. After briefly considering parent education, this section…

This publication discusses education reform and the movement toward standards and assessments and its impact on students with disabilities. It is designed to provide parents with information about changes in assessment and graduation criteria, and assist parents in investigating the changes happening in their districts and states. Different…

This digest discusses comprehensive training planning for students with disabilities and ways educators can facilitate the involvement of students with disabilities in helping to formulate the Individualized Transition Plan component of the Individualized Education Program (IEP). Strategies for encouraging student participation include: (1) begin…

These guidelines are an official statement of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) that address the official roles and responsibilities of school-based speech-language pathologists. Chapter 1 outlines the guiding principles that underlie the development of the document, provides federal and global definitions of speech-language…