Ninety-nine gifted fourth graders were administered the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale four times. Gifted students' average scores exceeded the standardization sample and variability was smaller as well. Females had somewhat higher scores. Findings suggested that special class placement may result in lower self-concept reports for some…

The study involving 102 native Puerto Rican educational evaluators tested the hypothesis that professionals from Puerto Rico working in teams would generate less variability than would the same individuals acting alone in the program placement of exceptional children. (SW)

Describes how one school selected and prepared students to transfer from oversized classes into a new class at midyear. (IRT)

The authors maintain that the concept of least restrictive alternative placement for exceptional students is frequently misunderstood and misapplied. A three phase procedure for determining which educational services are the least restrictive for a particular student is advocated. (CL)

The author's main concerns are with the problems of measuring handicaps and in classifying handicapped students. (IRT)

Research shows that many schools implement strict policies for classroom placement of twins, yet the effects of such policies on twins' development and educational attainment are currently unknown. Recommendations for school personnel and future directions for this formative area are discussed. (Contains 39 references.) (GCP)

In this first decade of the 21st century, we mark two milestones in education history: the 50th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision in 2004, and the 30th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 2005. Both Brown and IDEA asserted the need for increased educational opportunities for once excluded…

Objective. The purpose of this study was to examine differences between traditional student assistance teams and an innovative consultation-based assistance team in terms of the risk ratios for minority students for evaluation and eligibility for special education services. It was hypothesized that the innovative consultation-based assistance team…

This article considers potential impediments to the estimation of teacher quality caused primarily by the purposeful behavior of families, administrators, and teachers. The discussion highlights the benefits of accounting for student and school differences through a value-added modeling approach that incorporates a student's history of family,…

There has been little research exploring pupils' satisfaction with their ability group placement. This article explores the extent to which pupils are happy with their placement, and the reasons they give for wanting to move to another class or set. The sample comprised over 5000 Year 9 pupils (aged 13-14 years) in 45 mixed secondary comprehensive…

Although typical transitions are from one vertical level of schooling to another, it is becoming increasingly common for transitions to also include moving between regular and alternative placements. Many high schools rely on alternate placements as a means of dealing with disruptive students. There is also a subcategory of placements for students…

This case study describes the journey of one school district as it focused for 5 years on affecting district-wide systemic change related to inclusive education for all students with disabilities, including those with severe disabilities. Information is provided about the district's efforts across 5 years, and data are provided across those 5 and…

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) "Special Education at a Glance," which includes a copy of the "Guide to Planning and Assessing School-Based Special Education Programs," provides in a single document, information about the special education population at each Montgomery County (Maryland) public school, including…

The federal government has had a long-standing commitment to ensuring access of English Learner (EL) students to a meaningful education. As early as 1968, the "Elementary and Secondary Education Act" ("ESEA") contained provisions for supporting the education of EL students and in its 1974 landmark decision, "Lau v.…