Adaptive behavior instruments that are environmentally relevant can be used effectively in intervention planning for physically handicapped students. Five desirable characteristics in such instruments are listed, selected instruments are reviewed, and a systems approach to assessing adaptive behavior is described in the context of developing…

Educational personnel not prepared for children with disabilities and the provisions of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act have given rise to opportunities for misconduct. Examines the recent case law and legislative activity and its effect on special education malpractice, and suggests the possible direction this issue will take. (MLF)

Individualized education programs (IEPs) written for 18 severely disabled students (ages 4-19) who attended integrated school sites scored higher on selected indicators of best practices when compared with IEPs written for students attending segregated sites. IEPs were examined for age-appropriateness, functionality, and potential for…

Describes the dramatic growth in the use of microprocessor-based systems and the effects of this new technology, including microcomputers, telecommunications systems, and communications aids, on special education. Factors contributing to widespread use include requirements for individualized educational programs, increased support for special…

The author provides an example of how an individualized competency-based skills training program available for secondary students of all abilities can assist those who intend to seek advanced placement in postsecondary training in vocational-technical education or college education. (CT)

The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) of the U.S. Department of Education is working to provide the information needed to improve the transition and postschool outcomes of secondary school students with disabilities, in part through the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS2). The findings of this 10-year study generalize to…

These two technical assistance papers are designed to provide further clarification to Florida school districts regarding the completion of matrices for students with disabilities and on the documentation of the amount of services a student receives on an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The "Matrix of Services" is used to…

This briefing paper discusses academic accommodations for high school students with disabilities. It begins by reviewing provisions under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act that require Individualized Education Programs to include a statement of the program modifications or supports that will be provided for the child to enable the…

A Web-based tutorial was developed to teach preservice special education teachers about the individualized education program (IEP) process in Nevada and to allow them to practice development of specific IEP components. The Web site has four major sections which: (1) review the process by which children become eligible for special education; (2)…

This technical assistance paper focuses on the transition of children with disabilities birth to three and their families from the Infants and Toddlers Early Intervention Program for children ages birth to three to the Prekindergarten Program for Children with Disabilities for children ages three to five. The information presented is consistent…

This fact sheet, written in both English and Spanish, provides a definition, information on incidence, typical characteristics, and educational implications of emotional disturbance. The definition is from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and incidence in 1999-2000 is reported as about 470,000 children and youth. Educational…

This guide suggests a fresh perspective for families and professionals working together to develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities living in Maryland. It begins by explaining the purpose of IEPs and by providing the principles for IEP development in Maryland. Information is then provided on how the IEP is…

This guide presents a comprehensive system of intervention designed to support teachers in early childhood education in inclusive environments and to satisfy federal regulations. The components of the "On Track" program enable teachers to assess an individual child's strengths and needs both at school and at home, to discover family priorities, to…

This manual is a guide to the use of assistive technology with Iowa students who have disabilities. Section 1 offers legal definitions and examples of assistive technology and is followed by a section that considers how assistive technology helps students by providing examples of assistive technology in the general education curriculum. Section 3…

An action research study examined the use of an extensive experiential assignment to introduce preservice elementary teachers to the field of special education. The study documents the use of 58 students' experiences in a difficult learning situation and investigates the transference of this learning experience to course content on individualizing…