Conflicting socioeconomic forces have influenced problem-solving and decision-making methods in special education. Before the 1970s, a medical model was used that emphasized identification of disabilities. The legal model stresses individual needs and shared decision making among educators and their clients. Advantages and disadvantages of each…

Elements of the program and services adopted by the University of Minnesota-Duluth in response to Section 504 are outlined, including objectives, limits of responsibility, necessary qualifications for a coordinator of disabled-student services, and funding. The program is intended as supportive rather than rehabilitative. (MSE)

Describes funded Projects: Mainstreaming (meets needs of handicapped students); Drownproofing (teaches self-survival skills in water); REAP (serves rural outstate schools of Minnesota); Promise (involves students in production of films, slides, transparencies, and other media); Ideas (serves gifted students in rural settings); and Explore…

Proposes a method of standardizing the assessment units of measurement that apply to individualized education program (IEP) development. The model presented consists of four phases: (1) ability assessment, (2) achievement assessment, (3) discrepancy assessment, and (4) program development. Suggests a careful analysis of information may affect IEP…

The need for valid and reliable neuropsychological assessment procedures for differential assessment of learning disorders in children is emphasized. The neuropsychological procedures outlined are based on the theory that learning acquisition represents a hierarchy of information processing skills. A hierarchical model along with related…

Philosphical principles provide the context for the Soviets' psychological theory (in particular, the "zone of proximal development" concept); this theory then shapes psychoeducational practice. (GDC)

Recommendations by the American Council on Education for priorities in federal legislation are made concerning student aid, institutional and program aid, research support, armed forces, tax credits and incentives, medical services, social reforms, employment and handicapped policies, truth-in-testing, regulatory reform, and equal education. (MSE)

Discusses some current concepts of the laterality/reading relationship. An overview of Samuel T. Orton's hypotheses of cerebral dominance and "strephosymbolia" is provided, and both visual half-field and dichotic listening studies as direct, empirical tests of laterality are discussed. (MKM)

Federal regulations regarding the handicapped pose problems for recipients of federal aid, but higher education's reactions have been more positive than negative. The principle problems seem to be compliance costs, the need for interpretation of the regulations, and difficulties in the areas of admissions and academic requirements. (Author/JMD)

Describes BRIDGE (Being Responsive to Individual Differences in General Education), a partnership between university faculty and two elementary schools that focuses on the collaborative practices and programs in general and special education. The program centers on four initiatives: teacher collaboration, family liaisons, teacher research and…

Presents a lesson-planning model for coteaching regular and special educators which is intended to guide planning for group and individual student needs simultaneously. The model involves a common theme topic and distinguishes among objectives, activities, and assessments that are either for all students, for most students, or for some students.…

Focuses on the challenges educators have encountered in translating comprehension-strategies instruction research into workable, school-based interventions and, ultimately, into classroom practice. Research indicates teachers worry about the feasibility, fit, and scope of comprehension-strategies instruction. The need for technical and conceptual…

Recommendations to the Virginia Department of Education to promote more opportunities for preschool integration were elicited from 9 early childhood special education (ECSE) staff, 10 ECSE educators, 8 special education administrators, and 5 parents. Recommendations included the provision of written information, staff development, financial…

A survey of 28 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Part H coordinators throughout the nation investigated current assessment practices used to prescribe augmentative and alternative communication devices for young children with disabilities. Few respondents reported that they provided training "to a great extent" in the uses of…

The impact of computer-mediated technology on the preparation of 72 third-graders for inclusive classes was explored. Male students in a computer instruction group out-performed males in control and teacher instruction groups with respect to basic knowledge about students with mental retardation. There were no differences among female students.…