This article proposes a new operational definition of excess cost in determining state and federal funding for special education. The new approach is based on programs and services rather than accounting calculations of the difference between special education cost per student and regular education cost per student. (Author/DB)

The article addresses such issues as the effects of definition of deaf-blindness on programs and training, the functional interpretation of deaf-blindness, intervention theories, early intervention, the development of residual vision and hearing, and an integrated sensory approach. Recommendations include developing appropriate preservice…

The study compared the classroom and playground behaviors of 95 Australian elementary students with mild disabilities and 95 matched students without disabilities. Although many similarities in behavior patterns were observed, children with disabilities interacted and played less with their peers, engaged in more solitary play, and initiated more…

The study compared the effects of an intensive apprenticeship training experience provided to two consulting teachers with the standard training provided six consulting teachers. Significant differences were found in favor of the intensively trained teachers in all aspects of instructional improvement. (Author/DB)

The study found relative independence of the specific components of self-concept in 200 gifted pupils enrolled in self-contained enrichment classes in grades 5 through 8. Self-perceptions of social and scholastic competence and of physical appearance were the major contributors to self-concept. There was no evidence of a developmental process. (DB)

The study evaluated how 21 first grade teachers differed in preferences, requirements, and expectations of students. Teachers ranked 86 student descriptors on a continuum of contributing to either student success or failure. Teachers were found to vary considerably in descriptor rankings, suggesting that teacher variations may be a factor in the…

The study examined the participation in postsecondary educational programs of a representative sample of youth (n=1,242) with disabilities who had recently exited high school. This population participated in postsecondary programs at only one-quarter the rate of youth without disabilities and at only one-third the rate of economically…

In response to the Tenth Annual Report (EC 210 334) and field reactions (EC 221 136-138), these articles address the need for simplified reporting, more analysis and less summary, and the development of a set of indicators to measure the health of special education. (DB)

This response to an article by Karen Tateyama-Sniezek (EC 230 117), which examined the effectiveness of cooperative learning with mildly disabled students, reconsiders a table by adding more comparison statistics, effect sizes, and standard individual measures of achievement. Noted are the scarcity of studies including individual accountability…

The article examines the current emphasis on collaboration among educational services and institutions and warns that collaboration should not be an end in itself but must serve the child. Special educators are encouraged to let structure follow function in collaborative efforts and to put the point of delivery as close to the child as possible.…

The telephone survey of 1703 parents found little difference between parents of regular education students and parents of special education students in parental satisfaction with the schools or in parental involvement. (DB)

The article examines assumptions associated with prereferral interventions of consultation and informal problem-solving teams with at-risk students. Critical analyses of the benefits and limitations of both the consultation and informal problem-solving team approaches are offered, and alternative conceptions of prereferral practices are then…

The article stresses such concepts of prereferral intervention for at-risk students as intervention assistance and alternative intervention. Such approaches are founded on collaborative consultation between special and general educators. (Author/DB)

The article describes differences between consultation and collaboration among special education and regular classroom teachers and makes the argument that collaboration deserves far greater attention in current attempts to redefine relationships between specialists and teachers in the schools. (Author/DB)

A nationwide survey was conducted to investigate service provisions for learning-disabled students in two- and four-year colleges. The study identified postsecondary education service goals and options for these students as well as differences between the goals service providers have for these students and services actually provided. (Author/DB)