This paper describes how a restructured and redesigned teacher training program at West Virginia University utilizes a strand approach to integrate special education learning outcomes into the 15 core courses required of all student teachers. Key elements of the new teacher training program include: a clear set of research-based program goals;…

This policy paper outlines the impact that recent Title I legislation, which requires states to hold all students to the "same expectations," will have on state and local district evaluation plans, especially as regards students with disabilities. It notes the conflict between two educational goals: that of full inclusion of students…

This policy brief reviews relationships between state special education funding formulas and placements in which children with disabilities are served, specifically compliance with mandates for a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) and placement in the least restrictive environment (LRE). Data analyzed were for the school year 1992-93.…

This report uses case illustrations to present ten policy issues concerning inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood education programs. Policy issues were identified from interviews with over 150 families, teachers, and district and state education agency administrators, as well as through many classroom observations. An…

This paper presents the views of four general education teachers who without prior notice or training were assigned to teach special education classes. It also provides a short history of special education and requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The elements of special education and the specific levels of special…

This report, which is the eighth in a series, presents data for 1995 on high school dropout and retention rates, and examines high school completion and graduation rates. In addition to extending time series data from earlier reports, this report focuses on three specific subpopulations that are at particular risk of dropping out of school: (1)…

As our knowledge of young children grows, so does our awareness of the importance of the first few years of life. This book is written for students of child care at the college level, for those who work with children in the first three years of their lives, and for anyone who wants to understand more about what researchers and theorists have to…

First conducted during the 1987-88 school year, the Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS) provides periodic data on public and private schools in the United States. The Student Records Questionnaire was added during the 1993-94 cycle of SASS to collect student-level data from public schools, private schools, and schools funded by the Bureau of Indian…

Designed to be used by practicing teachers, students who are learning to become teachers, and faculty members who instruct such students, this manual describes how to use attending cues and responses to help children with mild disabilities attend to the important aspects of instructional activities, and how to use attending cues and responses to…

This booklet for parents of young children with special needs provides a variety of child-rearing suggestions as well as a listing of resources. After an introduction which defines special needs and summarizes basic principles, the following chapters address: (1) the family as the child's most important support; (2) the evaluation process; (3)…

This report discusses the outcomes of a work forum of representatives of 10 national organizations concerned with the serious shortage of qualified special education and related services professionals. The forum convened to consider the need for a national personnel agenda. The first section of the resulting report describes the shortage of…

This handbook offers "how to" guidance on library management and provides a single source for laws, regulations, executive orders, guidelines, and court decisions on employee and employer rights and responsibilities. Detailed information is provided on: recruiting and selecting personnel; the employment relationship; wages and hours;…

This activity book is designed to assist teachers in enhancing preschool children's motor skills, physical development, and social skills, and to build young children's self-esteem. The activities are designed for both disabled and nondisabled children. The first section of the book suggests specific activities in 13 categories of motor skills:…

This final report describes activities and achievements of Project TIE (Teams in Early Intervention) Outreach, a 3-year project which provided training for regional and local interdisciplinary teams (including parents) in New Mexico. The model used by the project stresses: (1) interdisciplinary communication, (2) a common framework for early…

This second volume of the Assessment, Evaluation and Programming System (AEPS) test and its associated curriculum describes the AEPS curriculum components for the developmental range from birth to three years. Section I describes the relationship between the AEPS test described in Volume 1 and the corresponding curriculum. Procedures for general…