How to effectively and efficiently serve students with disabilities in regular education (progressive inclusion) is an important current theme. The paper examines deep structural, demographic, and socioeconomic changes that affect such students, highlights a progressive inclusion policy, examines design characteristics of inclusive schools, and…

This article reviews research and program literature on four aspects of vocational education for students with learning disabilities: (1) data from follow-up and follow-along studies illustrating the relationship between vocational-technical education and adult outcomes; (2) recent program trends; (3) current practices regarding placement and…

Considers the role that school experiences play in transmitting and sustaining the cognitive gains made by children in preschool. The author discusses schooling in the early elementary grades and how parents' expectations and teachers can influence academic achievement. New ways of thinking about the links between preschool and the early years of…

Provides information on the job market outlook for 1996 college graduates. Discusses which industry groups are hiring, the type of jobs they are hiring for, average starting salaries, and ideal job placement candidates. Also provides resume advice and preparation tips for freshmen and sophomores. (SNR)

This article provides a description and an analysis of how the U.S. federal courts have interpreted the least restrictive environment (LRE) clause in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It charts the early evolution of judicial interpretation before reviewing cases involving the placement of children with deafness. (Contains…

The similarities and differences of provisions in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are discussed, including provisions relating to identification of students with disabilities, eligibility, evaluation procedures, the Individualized Education Programs, least restrictive environment…

This study compared the literal and inferential comprehension abilities for textual, functional, and recreational text genres of 195 students who were deaf or hard of hearing. Literal comprehension exceeded inferential comprehension for males but not females. Educational setting (special class, resource room, or fully mainstreamed) influenced…

This paper reviews the 45 due process hearings and court cases between 1993 and 1998 concerning parental requests for school districts to provide and/or fund the Lovaas treatment program for their young children with autism. It reviews previous legislative and legal definitions of a free appropriate public education and considers implications of…

Examines an Advanced Placement U.S. history classroom as a miniature common school to assess students' abilities to develop historically-grounded perspectives and engage in a moral debate. Finds that (1) students with little historical-grounding lacked an inclination toward a collective, ethical critique; and (2) exchange of historically-grounded…

Proposes a treatment-validity model for the identification of learning disabilities. The four-phase eligibility-assessment process would include evaluating adaptations in the regular classroom and verifying the effectiveness of special education before placement. Considers the technical requirements of this alternative eligibility process, and the…

This article presents a framework to guide special education services for English language learners. Policies and procedures that can minimize disproportionate representation are suggested, as are recommendations for appropriate referral, assessment, and instructional practices. Multidisciplinary teams are discussed and placement options for…

This article proposes a three-step process in determining how accessible a classroom general curriculum is for students with mild to moderate disabilities. Checklists, examples, and rubrics are offered as are suggestions for strengthening and modifying the curriculum. The process also can aid in making placement decisions that are more methodical…

A talented child's motivation and artistic gift can suffer when the environment at home and at school are inadequately supportive. It's crucial, therefore, for parents and teachers to understand that any child's involvement in the arts can enhance overall success in academics and in later life. It's just as important to learn about the many ways…

The current study investigated the impact of implementing Instructional Consultation Teams (IC Teams) on the disproportionate referral and placement of minority students into special education. Data were collected on referral and placement patterns of minority students in 13 IC Teams schools and 9 comparison schools. Three accepted indices of…

Foster care's impact on academic development was investigated for 392 students reentering foster care. Psychoeducational evaluation was performed at initial and return placements. Average achievement increased 0.22 points between placements. Students reentering care did not show differences in achievement or IQ compared to control students with a…