This study evaluated the extent to which individualized service plans (ISPs) for individuals with disabilities are consistent with established policies. Evaluation of 50 ISPs from Australian community residences for people with moderate to severe disabilities found major deficiencies in the plans, such as a lack of measurable objectives. (DB)

This article examines Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) developed with parents with special needs/mental retardation in a model early intervention program. Results suggest that such parents can participate fully in the IFSP process when the process stresses relationship building, empowerment, interagency collaboration, and program…

This paper discusses a German program that provides a network of sheltered workshops for those unable to work under competitive conditions. Specifically described is the program at Detmold, Westphalia, which uses job analysis and detailed appraisal of workers' social and psychological characteristics in its training program. (Author/DB)

This article on gifted children who have dyslexia or are at risk for school failure focuses on (1) effective individual and group discussion and counseling formats for school settings; and (2) the integration of all services into individualized programs for these children. (DB)

This article notes the increasing emphasis on self-determination in the school-to-adulthood transition movement, describes four self-determination models, and outlines instructional programs to promote self-determination in students with learning disabilities. Emerging issues are identified, including redefinition of roles, importance of taking…

The Individual Student Planning Team Process is presented as a method for planning effective educational programs for all students in inclusive classrooms. The process involves identifying student educational strengths and needs, determining which needs can be met through general education activities, supporting individual student programs in…

Reviews various models used for delivering personal adjustment services to individuals with visual impairments, including center-based services and home-based services. Addresses the need to individualize the rehabilitation process by determining the type of program and service delivery that best meets an individual's needs. (CR)

This article describes a transdisciplinary team approach to functional behavioral assessment (FBA) and intervention for young children with autism who exhibit severe challenging behavior. The article discusses the types of information needed to conduct an FBA, gives examples of information collection, and examines benefits and barriers to the team…

The authors argue that standardized group training of parents, without provision of individualization, is not likely to be fully successful. Individualized Education Plans in parent-training programs are suggested. (Author/CL)

Autism has recently become a more common topic in discussions about how schools can best serve special-education populations. Recent studies have reported the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to be 1 in 152 children (Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network Surveillance Year 2002 Principal Investigators 2007). Since…

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is clear: States are on the hook for advancing education improvement goals spelled out in the law as a condition for receiving up to $100 billion in economic-stimulus aid to education. But school districts are the ones that must decide how to spend most of that aid--including hefty, one-time increases for…

This study aims to analyze the attitudes of elementary school teachers, school psychologists and guidance research center personnel regarding developing an individualized educational program (IEP) process as well as challenges faced during the related process, according to several variables. The study included 201 participants who were working in…

The purpose of this pilot study was to analyze physical therapy goals for students receiving services in the school setting and to determine if these goals are measurable and context specific. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) of 32 students receiving physical therapy services was analyzed to determine the type of task and context that…

The authors describe how the participation of Family as Faculty parents in case-based instruction influenced 16 beliefs of 89 special education teacher candidates about the value of partnering with parents. The parents, who all had children with disabilities, participated in a simulated individualized education program meeting that was embedded in…

In a recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, "Schaffer v. Weast," the high court ruled that the burden of persuasion in special education due process hearings should fall on the party that challenges a student's IEP. This Court ruling will change current practice across nearly half the United States. In this article, the authors…