A study evaluated the effectiveness of a collaborative model for making grading adaptations. Parents, students, general educators, and special educators collaborated to develop and implement personalized grading plans for four middle school students. All participants perceived the process to be more fair and effective than adaptations used…

Four researchers argue the merits of qualitative methodology and its particular relevance to those in special education who seek to move beyond a deficit perspective. Unconstrained by defined variables and decontextualized settings, qualitative methods allowed the researchers to extend the scope of their studies beyond originally stated research…

A study presents a post-hoc evaluation of the use of accommodations in the Washington Assessment of Students Learning of 4th and 7th graders in 1998. Results indicate that while the use of accommodations appeared to be consistent with state guidelines, increased training opportunities and revisions in reporting procedures are advised. (Contains…

A survey of 308 African-American, Hispanic-American, Native-American, and European-American parents found that culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) parents are active in transition planning activities and, in some instances, their level of reported participation surpassed that of European-American parents. In contrast, 52 professionals…

This study assessed the impact of training on the knowledge and confidence of over 80 teachers in decision making regarding participation and accommodation for students with disabilities in large-scale assessments. After training teachers expressed high confidence in their ability to make such decisions and a stronger relationship was found among…

This paper describes a method for scaling and reporting test results when comparing different types of mathematics instruction with small groups (often the case in studies with special populations). Results are compared for an instructional experiment with remedial and nonremedial students using a number-correct scoring and a standardized score…

This article summarizes and analyzes 43 pieces of professional literature pertaining to paraprofessional supports for students with disabilities published between 1991 and 2000. The findings identify topical gaps in the literature, review the major data based findings, and present implications for the field. Suggestions for future research stress…

A qualitative research design was used to study decision making regarding the participation of young children with disabilities in inclusive preschool and early elementary placements. After the 5-year follow-along period, 60 percent of the children remained in some level of inclusive placement. Factors influencing placement decisions were…

Manifestation determination is a mandated provision for deciding whether a student's misbehavior is related to his disability and, consequently, whether cessation of services is allowed. This article critiques this provision by reviewing relevant case law and legislation, examining the mandate's social context, and questioning the validity of…

This article is an analysis and synthesis of 26 published (1985-2000) research reports concerning postsecondary education services for students with learning disabilities. Eleven program factors are examined: definition of learning disability, characteristics of adult learners, institution type, special admission procedures, assessment services,…

A 5-year qualitative study examined resilience among 15 adolescents transitioning from youth correctional facilities back into their communities. Topics addressed include: pre-delinquent histories, experiences in the correctional system, and post-corrections transition. Currently about half the respondents are successful (employed, going to…

This article discusses the use of qualitative research to document stories of individuals with disabilities. A case is made for broadening the view of qualitative research in an effort to challenge both the nature of the stories as well the frameworks by which these stories are disciplined. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Interviews with 11 high school-aged students with physical disabilities found participants felt driving would add freedom, independence, and responsibility to their lives and increase their educational, employment, and recreational choices. Most preferred to be included in high school driver's education, however, enrollment was either delayed or…

Written comments by 140 parents of students with severe disabilities were analyzed to identify reasons why they are supportive of, or resistive to, inclusive education programming. Supportive reasons included beliefs that the child would learn more. Parents who opposed inclusion indicated the severity of their children's disability precluded any…

Interviews and school visits investigated how 193 school personnel respect, appreciate, and acknowledge paraprofessionals who work in inclusive classrooms supporting students with and without disabilities. Themes included nonmonetary signs and symbols of appreciation, compensation, being entrusted with important responsibilities, noninstructional…