This study evaluated how 30 British primary school classes implemented inclusion of students with special educational needs (SEN) in the curriculum's literacy hour. It examined resources, teaching techniques, timetabling, personnel, classroom organization, location, and training. Findings indicated most SEN students were included in literacy…

This paper describes the use of drama with severely socially challenged children, especially children with autistic spectrum disorders. This approach stresses the importance of early make-believe and the use of drama to help children explore social narratives from the inside and thus improve social competence. (Contains references.) (DB)

This paper identifies themes of a July, 2002, seminar in the United Kingdom on the role of leaders in special schools in the development of inclusive policies and practices. These include: the need for enriched dialogue between school leaders and academics; the national context for inclusion; starting points for school leaders; and emerging…

This paper evaluates a British program in which 20 undergraduate students training to be primary science teachers planned and delivered a science workshop to students with severe and profound learning difficulties. Analysis focuses on comments of the college students both before and after the workshop experience. The experience encouraged student…

This study examined the impact of the SENCo-Forum, an e-mail group concerned with students who have special educational needs (SEN) in Britain. The study addressed characteristics of Forum users, how often people send messages, a comparison of "enthusiastic" and "light" users, qualifications of Forum users, ways in which the Forum provides…

This article reviews availability, certification, and preparation of special education administrators, with an emphasis on their roles in maintaining a quality workforce in special education. Findings indicate a special education administrator shortage, a shift to on-the-job training, and the importance of administrative support in recruitment and…

A survey of 34 British headteachers, 25 deputy headteachers, and 49 other educators found the most popular form of professional development was short-course provision, the most requested topic for professional development was performance management, and the majority believed professional development should be special education needs-specific.…

A qualitative study of five Texas female special education directors found that although participants achieved an administrative position, they were marginalized due to their leadership style, gender discrimination, and socialization. Participants also indicated a negative connection between being in special education administration and top-level…

A survey of 1,042 special educators found that disability severity and number of students served in the classroom were the variables that most affected caseloads in special education. Educators spent most of their time instructing, but also spent time doing behavior management, case management, and individualized education program development.…

This commentary discusses the decrease in educational funding, the increase of mandates under the No Child Left Behind Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the possible conflicts between general and special education. Administrators and educators are urged to work together to meet the needs of all students. (CR)

This article discusses the role of special education administrators in leading the way for changes in special education during the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The need for administrator advocacy for streamlined paperwork, the response to intervention model, and the provision of highly qualified staff is…

This article discusses how an urban middle school designed to reflect a Schools for Thought model has demonstrated that urban schools can achieve excellent results on statewide testing for all students, including those with disabilities. Key school features are highlighted, including the use of "cross-talk" to stimulate discussion and student…

This article presents the challenges that urban special education administrators face in serving students with frequent behavior problems. New strategies for creating supportive environments are shared, including creating a positive school climate, increasing capacity to initiate and maintain research-validated practices, and implementing programs…

A study involving 12 elementary schools investigated hiring and placement decisions of school district-level personnel and principals. Findings indicate inequities in the quality of leadership and instruction in the inner-city schools exacerbate efforts to reduce disproportionate placements of culturally and linguistically diverse children into…

This article discusses how the concept of efficiency in special education services is translated into specific practices. A paradigm is presented that quantifies a measure of student need, ties school allocations to student needs, tracks actual expenditures on special education, and links those expenditures to quantifiable measures of student…