This article maintains that educators of students with visual impairments, especially those with additional problems served in residential schools, need to give priority to habilitation, to identify habilitation needs in the individualized education program, and to implement strategies to meet these needs. (DB)

This article describes the Laptop Computer Initiative (LCI), a program in a Delaware school district to enhance referral-to-placement practices and to develop individualized education programs for special education students. The six steps in the program's development are recounted and positive results of the LCI, such as increased staff efficiency…

Analyzes federal legislation, regulations, and litigation regarding the provision of an appropriate education for limited-English-proficient students who are also disabled. Examines the legal basis of the right to bilingual education and the requirements that educational agencies must meet. Discusses implications for school systems and educators.…

This paper points out that one way to infuse self-determination skill training into a comprehensive transition program is to teach students with disabilities to direct and manage their own Individualized Education Program. The transition policy of the Academic School District in Colorado Springs (Colorado) is presented as a model. (JDD)

Addresses a Seventh Circuit ruling that treats parental hostility as a factor in determining the appropriateness of an individualized education program. Asks what are the alternative and appropriate means for counteracting undue parental hostility in cases under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and related laws. (60 references) (MLF)

Meeting teachers' differing training needs calls for an assortment of staff development strategies to be selected by the teachers themselves. Choices should include individualized education plans, short-term sabbaticals, substitute-teacher teams, teachers as instructors, peer coaching, teacher exchanges, released time, summer workshops, weekend…

A statistical comparison was conducted of 120 Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) of intermediate-grade male students with behavioral disorders and learning disabilities in resource and self-contained programs. Differences were found in terms of federal mandate compliance, number of annual goals and completed short-term objectives, and…

Identifies the various types of costs that can result from the implementation of inclusive schooling in a school district so that the costs can be known and allowed for during the planning stage. (MLF)

Although the number of students with behavior difficulties has increased, it has not been matched by a comparable increase in developing educator competencies to meet their needs. Educators must be given the necessary training, supported by solid research in best practices and quality schools. Individualized student plans involving family members…

Explores an integrated approach to technology, examines the transition of individuals with disabilities from historical and current perspectives, and provides an introduction and philosophical base for the articles which follow. Key provisions in federal legislation that affect transition and the technology applications are analyzed. (CR)

Provides an overview of some of the key provisions in the Individual with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 and its accompanying regulations. Discusses changes in provisions affecting student placement in the least restrictive environment, the Individualized Education Program including transitional services, funding, reevaluations, and…

Telephone interviews with 141 randomly selected special education coordinators, principals, and special and general education teachers examined issues related to special education, including a free and appropriate public education (FAPE), Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and school discipline procedures. Respondents found IEPs too…

Describes the founding, organization, and support services of the Oregon Family Support Network. Using volunteers, the network provides support and information to families whose children are severely emotionally or behaviorally disturbed. Services include emotional support, technical assistance, networking, information, community forums, parent…

This article reviews requirements for considering the need for assistive technology (AT) services within the Individualized Education Program process and highlights the importance of collaborative teamwork. Current AT models are described, along with the AT Co-Planner. The use of a software version of the model is discussed. (Contains references.)…

Analyzes the application of the principle of unity in different historical phases of the East German educational system. Argues that East German successes in reducing the number of socially underprivileged were always accompanied by a sharpening of the trade-off between educational equality and excellence, for which no solution was found. (DSK)