Describes how school counselors can contribute to the development of individualized education programs (IEP). Discusses counselors' participation in and preparation for IEP conferences, including defining the counselor role, gathering and analyzing pertinent information, and developing goals and objectives. (RC)

Raises legal issues for private schools, especially those with a religious affiliation, regarding the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 (PL 94-142). Specifically discusses "least restrictive environment" concept, individualized educational program (IEP), competency testing, and procedural safeguards. (DC)

The Oak Hill School Model was developed to secure the best plan for educating, training, and developing a life program for the multihandicapped person. The handicapped individual's full potential is developed in the least restrictive environment. The group home program teaches self-help skills and is an alternative to the institution. (JN)

The editors of "Classroom Computer News" prepared this compendium of news and tips for using computers in the classroom. Topics include computer literacy, the benefits of classroom computer use, programing individualized education programs (IEPs), selecting courseware, the basics of microprocessors and new products. (Editor/SJL)

Addresses the role of the speech language pathologist in the education and therapy of students with hearing impairments educated in classes with normally hearing peers. It concludes that the speech-language pathologist should be the on-site specialist in hearing responsible for designing a collaborative rehabilitation/education plan that addresses…

Discusses the purposes of student grades, including those driven by Individualized Education Programs. Grading options to ensure objectivity, fairness, and accountability for students with diverse needs are suggested. Types of tests available and possible adaptations are described. School districts are urged to create a grading policy that is…

Evidence from Arizona and other states demonstrates that children with disabilities lack equal access to charter schools. Charter school operators are avoiding potentially high-cost students and are unprepared to meet their needs. Charter schools need to strike cooperative resource-sharing arrangements with neighboring districts. States must…

This article provides information about the roles and responsibilities of physical therapists, occupational therapists, therapeutic recreation specialists, and adapted physical educators working with students with disabilities. Examples are provided of individualized education programs that combine the expertise of these professionals. Examples of…

A study examined the effectiveness of teaching five adolescents with mental retardation and behavior disorders to lead their own Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. Students learned to introduce others at their IEP meetings, review their past IEP goals, discuss their future IEP goals, and close their meetings. (Contains references.)…

The article examines the parent-teacher partnership, stressing the importance of both parent and teacher input. Five suggestions for involving parents of handicapped students in the Individualized Education Program meeting are offered and include asking parents before the meeting to think of short- and long-term goals for the child. (DB)

Special educators are urged to prepare for the increasing numbers of children disabled due to maternal drug use. Encouraged are interagency coordination, increased data collection, personnel preparation, renewed emphasis on "child find" and individualized education programs, and overcoming political resistance to service expansions. (DB)

The article explores alternative ways of scheduling orientation and mobility instruction for visually impaired students receiving training on an itinerant basis. Recommended are summer training programs, inclusion of training needs in individualized education programs, and short-term attendance in residential schools. (Author/DB)

The article argues that students with severe intellectual disabilities should be educated in their local "home school" so all children can prepare for a pluralistic society, so families can have easy access to schools and services, and so social relationships with nondisabled persons can be developed and maintained over long periods of time.…

Case studies of two children illustrate the ways in which an overemphasis on functional goals stressing efficiency through categorization and specialization has made special education in the United States a bureaucratic patchwork that should be disassembled and rebuilt. The relevance of current practices to student needs must be evaluated. (SLD)

The Individualized Education Program of an 11-year-old boy with severe disabilities was written to emphasize development of social skills and friendships. Opportunities to develop friendships were created, classmates examined their feelings about the meaning of friendship, and parents' and teachers' reactions were assessed. (JDD)