Describes a study which assessed impact of computer assisted instruction on reading and mathematics achievement of disadvantaged youths participating in US Department of Labor's Job Corps, a federal vocational and educational program. Greater reading achievement gains but no statistically significant mathematics gains were found in experimental…

These two technical assistance papers are designed to provide further clarification to Florida school districts regarding the evaluation procedures and determination of eligibility for children with disabilities in transition from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part C, Infants and Toddlers Early Intervention Program to the…

This information brief presents views on quality education from two individuals with disabilities and a parent of a student with a disability. Amanda Dahloff, Kelly Socha, and Amy Pleet, all experienced in the transition process, offer diverse views on how educational systems can best serve students with disabilities. Key recommendations include:…

This book is intended to offer guidance in writing individualized education programs (IEPs) that deliver high-quality, need-based educational programming for students with autism spectrum disorders. Following an introductory historical overview of special education law, the remaining chapters in part 1 address the quality indicators for each of…

The United States Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is 30 years of age. IDEA affords individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities (through age 21) a free appropriate public education, an individualized education plan, and many accommodations in an attempt to include those with disabilities in the educational experience.…

This report is a summary of responses to a national survey on the state-level governance of K-12 gifted and talented education in all 50 states and was conducted between June and August of 2002. The Tennessee Initiative for Gifted Education Reform conducted the survey to gather information in preparation for state policy and legislative…

This final report discusses the activities and outcomes of a study that investigated the involvement of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) and non-American Indian/Alaska Native parents of children with disabilities in the general educational and Individualized Education Program (IEP) processes, and the specific needs of parents that would…

This booklet for Minnesota parents of children with disabilities provides an overview of special education services. Information is provided on: (1) the purpose of special education; (2) disabilities that are covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; (3) eligibility age; (4) types of special education and related services; (5)…

This fact sheet on mental retardation is written in both English and Spanish. It begins with a vignette of a 15-year-old boy with mental retardation. Mental retardation is briefly explained as are some causes of mental retardation. It notes that a diagnosis of mental retardation looks at two things: first, the ability of a person's brain to learn,…

This paper discusses the importance of teachers and parents of students with learning disabilities working together to ensure that students' educational programs are appropriate and address their specific needs. It provides guidelines aimed at fostering positive teacher-parent relationships by discussing recent legislative mandates and current…

This guide is intended to offer suggestions for enhancing educational opportunities for young children in Iowa with special needs in the least restrictive environment (LRE) as required by both state and federal law in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as amended in 1997 (IDEA 97). Emphasis is on IDEA 97's definition and…

This technical assistance document is intended to offer Oregon districts and agencies guidance in understanding and implementing the regulations dealing with behavioral supports, interventions, and disciplinary actions for students with disabilities who are eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. It is comprised of…

This publication is designed to help educators understand the purpose and meaning of the functional behavioral assessment process and how to identify and assess the behavior of students with disabilities. It shows how to develop and write effective behavior intervention plans using data collected during the functional assessment and presents many…

This guide is intended to provide information to Massachusetts school districts and families regarding the availability of, access to, and payment mechanisms for assistive technology devices and services. The first section answers 13 questions concerning topics such as the difference between an assistive technology device and an assistive…

This report provides an analysis and discussion of the participation and performance of eighth-grade students with disabilities on the 1996, 1997, and 1998 Minnesota Basic Standards Tests in Reading and Math. The data show significant increases in participation of students with and without disabilities. In particular, participation of students…