Three Head Start teachers who served students with special needs in their inclusive classrooms participated with an early childhood special education teacher conducting peer coaching sessions. Results indicated that all Head Start teachers increased their rate of responsive statements. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This article discusses the importance of membership in the inclusive education of students who are deaf/hard-of-hearing (D/HH). To facilitate membership, inclusive programs are urged to address carefully teacher attitudes, teacher roles and relationships, student knowledge and curriculum, structural barriers, extracurricular activities, community…

Notes that education policies favoring inclusion mean that a growing number of pupils may have health-related support needs. Draws on study data to reflect on the position of these pupils within policy guidance on special educational and medical needs. Finds that the needs of this group remain somewhat hidden; discusses the prospect of…

Describes some of the problems surrounding identifying a learning disabled student in an international school. States that because of the multilingual environment, common indicators may not apply. Offers suggestions for determining when a student needs help. (NB)

A survey of 84 Iowa teachers certified in severe disabilities examined opinions relating to access to the general curriculum. Most respondents felt that such access is not appropriate for students with severe disabilities and students should not be held to the same performance standards as typical peers. Also, almost half of teachers' districts…

This article presents an overview of personality disorders in adults and suggests strategies for early interventionists to use in interacting effectively with these families. Three vignettes of parents with personality disorders accessing the early intervention systems are provided to illustrate the challenges and suggested techniques of working…

This article comments on two studies (EC 629 876) that investigated the validity of a set of 15 general growth outcomes (GGOs) for identifying young children with disabilities. It discusses concerns relating to whether the research is sufficiently meritorious to result in a valid measure of growth outcomes suitable for national use. (Contains 4…

This response to comments on two studies (EC 629 876) that investigated the validity of a set of 15 general growth outcomes (GGOs) for identifying young children with disabilities, discusses the GGOs as a way for educators to provide a quick effective reading of a child's status and growth within a developmental area. (Contains 8 references.) (CR)

This article presents the career/vocational assessment process as a critical component of transition planning for students with disabilities. It provides an overview of career/vocational assessment, methods of gathering assessment information, issues to consider, people involved in the assessment process, and recommendations for career/vocational…

A longitudinal study examined effects of social influences on 557 middle school students with learning disabilities and 8,392 typical students. Having a learning disability was associated with consistent, mostly negative, effects on social relations. Student perceptions of friendship groups had small, but significant, effects on their growth in…

This study examined the characteristics of 26 Asian American elementary students with learning disabilities including demographic characteristics, factors associated with referral, assessment practices, student profiles, and instructional recommendations for special education. Results suggest similarities with Mexican American students with LD and…

A study explored how six childcare providers who have included children with special needs are able to provide care on a daily basis. Factors included the providers' commitment, finding the balance between resources and needs, problem-solving with parents, access to emotional support and technical assistance, and access to other supports.…

This article comments on a previous article that uses interviews from 250 Latino parents of children with mental retardation to demonstrate three ways of analyzing qualitative interview data (content, cultural models, and narrative analyses). It discusses the implementation of interventions that fit the cultural models of parents as a component of…

A study investigated whether the use of American Sign Language as an accommodation affected the validity of standards-based assessments given in 12 classrooms of students with hearing impairments. Findings indicate sign language translation can result in the omission of pertinent information required to answer test items correctly. Suggestions are…

The history of rural special education delivery and teacher education in Appalachia over the last four decades is traced. Much progress has been made, but rural regions still have a shortage of special education teacher educators, certified personnel, employment opportunities for students with disabilities, and distance education capabilities. A…