The author reviews Canadian legislation relating to special education with emphasis on what is meant by a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. Essential elements are outlined for the concepts of appropriate education, least restrictive alternative, and procedural safeguards. (SB)

The profiles of 40 educable mentally retarded (EMR) children (aged 6 to 8.5 years) on the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities were examined to determine areas of strengths and weaknesses. (Author)

Data from a large racially representative sample of school children showed that the trend toward placing minority students into special education classes in disproportionate numbers has been complicated by the introduction of the learning disability (LD) category. (Author)

This article highlights selected mandates contained in two federal provisions assuring the educational rights of handicapped children. Public Law 94-142 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are analyzed to identify mandated requirements relative to the least restrictive environment. (JN)

The debate over special programs for the gifted must not obscure the basic questions: To whom will the gifts be delivered? How much emphasis are we willing to place on equality of opportunity for all children? (Author/IRT)

Techniques and experiences that would help students not only in finding their first job, but in all future career decisions, were packed into a three-credit-hour course. (Author)

Trying to place those students who are not the "cream of the crop" can really challenge a placement counselor's ingenuity and skills. (Author)

Development of the placement program in Highland Community Schools included obtaining administrative approval, publicity, slide presentations for business and industrial groups, and resulted in a successful placement service that was not a significant cost factor within the school's budget. (TA)

Discusses the McHenry High School Career Employment Placement Service (CEPS), one of 15 Illinois Pilot Exemplary Placement Projects (PEPP). Placement models and procedures involving students and employers are described. (TA)

This brief introductory article addresses the inclusion of students with emotional and behavior disorders in regular schools and general education classrooms, and questions whether inclusive environments are the best settings for students with these types of disabilities. The advantages and disadvantages of inclusion are reviewed. (CR)

Decision theory is a useful method for assessing the effectiveness of the components of a course placement system. The effectiveness of placement tests or other variables in identifying underprepared students is described by the conditional probability of success in a standard course. Estimating the conditional probability of success is discussed.…

This case study examines how individuals construct definitions of handicapped and mainstreaming. The effect of these definitions was examined through interviews and observations of the peers, parents, and educators of a fifth-grade mainstreamed boy with disabilities. Results found that frames of reference can have a substantial impact on program…

Discusses the difficulties in conducting a case study on the attitudes and beliefs that individuals held about mainstreaming a boy with disabilities, including changes in terminology, methodological dilemmas, and discrepancies between the definitions that participants explicitly shared and observations of their interactions with the boy. (CR)

This article presents a case study of a child with autism educated in a regular education classroom. It identifies key factors in the child's successful inclusion: (1) knowing the child's needs; (2) having a positive attitude; (3) inservice training for staff; (4) the involvement of teachers, therapists, and support staff in team planning; and (5)…

Describes the trend in desegregation litigation of moving away from student assignment and towards improving the quality of education. The court's effort in addressing the issue of overcrowding in DeKalb County (Georgia) are highlighted. The eventual plan to lessen overcrowding is described, as well as the debate over how quality of education…