This guide for parents of children with disabilities in Alberta (Canada) focuses on the role of the parent on the educational team. Part 1 describes the rights of parents, the responsibilities of parents, and where parents can go for information and help. Part 2 discusses schools as partners, including information for parents on how to procure…

This booklet summarizes the rights and responsibilities of Minnesota parents of children with disabilities and offers guidelines on how best to advocate for their child. Introductory material briefly describes the Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER) Center and its programs. The booklet then summarizes federal court decisions,…

This manual is a guide to recommended practices and procedures for meeting the special educational needs of young children with disabilities, especially those ages 3 through 5 in Illinois. Chapter 1 provides a brief history of national and Illinois state mandates in early childhood special education, notes the critical role of the family, and…

This manual on development of transition planning programs/services for high school youth with disabilities and their families is based on the premises that both youth and family members need to be actively involved in every step of the transition planning process, that empowered families can access necessary transition and adult services needed…

In an attempt to better serve the diverse educational needs of both traditional and non-traditional college students, a self-directed learning process plan was implemented in two community college early childhood education classes. The process began with an informal introductory meeting between instructor and students, followed by individual…

This book provides strategies for working within the educational system and going outside the system, when appropriate, to get learning assistance for a struggling student. Part 1, "Identifying the Problem," discusses communicating with the teacher and getting vital information, focusing observations and impressions, and communicating…

This report summarizes states' current policies on the participation of students with disabilities in large-scale assessment and the accommodations available for these students. Among the generalizations from these summaries are (1) state participation and accommodation policies change frequently; (2) for participation decisions, state policies…

This paper presents results of a survey of Massachusetts parents of children with disabilities concerning implementation of the child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Survey respondents (N=400) addressed the following issues: quality of educational and related services; access to the general curriculum in the least restrictive environment;…

This booklet for parents of young children with special needs provides a variety of child-rearing suggestions as well as an updated listing of resources. After an introduction which defines special needs and summarizes basic principles, the following chapters address: (1) the family as the most important support for a child; (2) the evaluation…

One of nine competency-based training modules for personnel preparation in early childhood special education, this guide focuses on developing the individualized education program (IEP). All modules are adaptable for use with a general audience, direct service personnel, or administrators and are based on the following principles of the Ohio…

Project SAMS (Skills, Activities, Matrixing System) was designed to develop and validate a curriculum process for educating students with profound disabilities. Central to the 3-year curriculum process was matrixing, or integrating, basic developmental skills across multiple functional, age-appropriate, and integrated activities. Components…

This manual incorporates the Delaware State Board of Education's rules and regulations governing the education of exceptional children and is intended to provide guidance and information to educators, administrators, parents, and the public. The section on handicapped children covers the following areas: access to special education and related…

This guide to the transition of special education students to less restrictive environments or from school to work stresses the importance of planning and communication during the entire process, from initial plans through implementation and follow-up. Section 1 consists of a "Transition Process Checklist" to aid in the organization and follow…

Part of a three-part series depicting training approaches for paraprofessionals working with handicapped children, the booklet focuses on two major competencies: general understandings of special education and of major handicapping conditions. This module is intended for paraprofessionals who have had little experience with, and/or education…

The manual's purpose is to serve as a tool to help parents and advocates to secure an appropriate education for handicapped children in New Mexico. Provisions of the federal and New Mexico laws and regulations which protect the rights of handicapped children are described. Funding for special education is explained, focusing on the state funding…