A case study investigated the use of a decision-making model, characterized by partnerships between professionals and learners, in the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEP) for students with learning difficulties in Scotland. The student (age 13) and the teachers agreed that the development of an IEP collectively had been useful.…

This article reviews aspects of the relationships among teaching, special education, and research. It is argued that educational research, and consequently policy making, has too often taken insufficient account of teachers' professional credibility and expertise. Teachers are encouraged to become more involved in research activities. (Contains…

This article summarizes viewpoints expressed at a British special education conference on whether it matters if children acquire a standard pencil grip. Some participants felt children should be encouraged to use the standard tripod grip, while others believed children should be allowed to choose their own style of grip. (CR)

A study evaluated the effectiveness of in-school support systems, Pupil Support Bases, for 45 adolescents with social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties at 11 comprehensive schools in Scotland. Students in focus groups agreed unanimously that the Pupil Support Bases were helpful and sometimes prevented them from being excluded. (Contains…

This article summarizes findings presented in a report by the Audit Commission on the provision for children with disabilities. It discusses widespread dissatisfaction with student assessment, development of statements, resource allocation to support children with special educational needs, and procedures to ensure services are effective.…

This article describes a Tourette syndrome training day for teachers facilitated by members of the Tic Disorders Clinic at Great Ormond Street Hospital in England. The day provided a mix of information giving and discussion of current practice. Outcomes of the day are related to professional knowledge and experience. (Contains references.) (CR)

An analysis of perceptions of parents and teachers who participated in the preparation of 21 individualized transition plans (ITP) indicates that while students had limited participation in their own ITP, parents were pleased with the ITP process. Parents, however, reported having little knowledge of community options or potential employer's…

A study involving 201 managers of speech and language therapy (SLT) services in England examined the use of Standards Fund money for SLT. Results indicate limited improvement in funding for SLT, however, the sum reaching SLT is 2.4 million pounds, which represents one-quarter of the target figure of 10 million. (Contains 9 references.) (Author/CR)

This article proposes that research into special educational needs has to explore the meaning of the phrase "special needs" and the values that underpin this phrase. It concludes this process will entail the development of new forms of inquiry, new ways of working, and new ways of thinking about research. (Contains 2 references.) (Author/CR)

This article discusses the nature of the therapeutic intervention provided by "A Quiet Place" project and outlines its aims, objectives, philosophy, and intervention protocol. A study involving 172 children with emotional and behavioral difficulties in seven schools found the program had a significant effect on their short-term behavior. (Contains…

A study evaluated a self-instructional tutorial on functional behavioral assessment (FBA) using a comprehensive model of evaluation. Participants included 30 content experts, design experts, special education training coordinators, and high education instructors. The self-instructional program was effective in teaching knowledge and skills and…

A study investigated the use of Web-enhanced instruction and an inclusion teaching case to teach 40 pre-service teachers to adapt instruction for limited English proficient students with disabilities. A collaborating teacher provided feedback regarding adapted lessons online using WebCT. Intense, elaborated adaptations were developed as a result…

This article addresses the need for a conceptual approach to researching, e-learning instructional design and the technologies employed as a basis for e-learning. A programmatic research construct is offered for building a conceptual model. Three categories of variables are considered in building the construct: outcome, in situ, and independent…

This article explores how use or nonuse of augmentative and alternative communication can be affected by the ongoing development and interaction of a child's identity through various cultural milieu. It examines the student's role in the selection and use of devices and the effects of family, school, and community. (Contains references.) (CR)

This article discusses multicultural education and educational technology and the digital divide created by lack of access to and use of technology by members of various social identity groups. Educators are urged to re-think technology integration using a multicultural education framework. Useful online multicultural resources are listed.…