Objective: The main objective of this study was to explore patients' perceptions of general practitioner (GP) exercise referral (ER) schemes with a view to providing a better service for future patients. Design: A qualitative focus group methodology. Setting: Meeting rooms or communal areas in leisure centres across North Yorkshire. Method: Thirty…

This article describes efforts to examine the validity of a screening process that provides objective data for multidisciplinary team meetings where consideration is being given to teacher referral of a student for assessment and possible placement in special education. In this study, the accuracy with which this process, called Problem Validation…

The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) regularly evaluates the experience of international students in Canada through a benchmarking survey. Canada First 2009 represents the fourth time CBIE has conducted this research. Previous editions appeared in 1988, 1999 and 2004. This year's survey used a revised questionnaire similar to…

This study, part of Project Mandala, created and tested an identification model which utilized a profile approach to identify gifted students (including those traditionally under-identified) in two age groups, 4-8 years and 11-14 years. The overall protocol included seven steps: (1) drawing nominations from a wide base including parents, school…

This study reviewed 1137 students' records from 25 school districts to determine if there is a possible conflict between Wisconsin's learning disabilities (LD) eligibility criteria and the federal definition under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. It also surveyed student evaluation and placement teams concerning their application…

This study evaluated the cost effectiveness of Instructional Support Teams (IST) in Pennsylvania, by comparing IST costs to those of traditional special education programs. An introduction notes pressures for change and the objectives of the prereferral intervention utilized in the IST approach. The study compared costs and program effectiveness…

In order to evaluate the provision of employment-related services by AIDS service organizations (ASOs), a statewide survey of 89 ASOs in Massachusetts was conducted. Also, state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies were surveyed resulting in responses by 255 VR administrators and 266 rehabilitation counselors. Organizations were asked the…

This study attempted to determine the number of programs for Canadian students with behavioral disorders, identify practices currently used in these programs, and examine the availability of written program descriptions. A literature review provides information on: definition and prevalence (both in general and in Canada specifically); historical…

This practicum sought to provide elementary school teachers with the skills and knowledge needed to teach students residing in foster care. The three specific goals of the practicum were: (1) to have all 30 of the teacher participants use teaching strategies appropriate to the education of foster care children; (2) to have at least 25 of the 30…

This review of eligibility criteria for students with special needs was the result of a 2-month analysis of the Massachusetts special education law and the current state of education within Massachusetts. The review was intended to examine the original intent of the special education statute, possible reasons for the high number of special…

This technical assistance manual describes school-based outreach strategies that involve parents in preparing youth with special needs for postschool jobs and independence. A model of preventive education is featured which stresses that postschool problems of unemployment and community adjustment can be anticipated and can, therefore, be treated…

As part of a 3-year, 10-state study on the state and local implementation of the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) Program, local implementation of child care services was researched. Areas of investigation focused on the availability of child care services, funding and payment mechanisms, parental choice, and information and referral…

This booklet provides an introduction to the special education process and supplies information about parents' rights and parents' role in obtaining services for children with disabilities in North Dakota. Section I discusses Public Law 94-142 and its amendments, focusing on eligibility for services and step-by-step procedures for determining…

This collection of papers presented at a 1996 conference on children's mental health focuses on utilization research. Papers have the following titles and authors: (1) "Information Equity: A Critical Component of Strong Service Systems" (Catherine Batsche and Allison Metcalf); (2) "Utilization of Children's Mental Health Services: Differentiating…

This guide to procedures for identifying gifted and talented children in Oregon outlines requirements of legislation and administrative regulations. The procedures describe steps in the identification process, including referral, screening, testing, and final selection/parent notification. The importance of identifying children when very young,…