Horrific events such as the fatal shooting of three high school students in Chardon, Ohio, in the winter of 2012 places tremendous pressure on state and local agencies to ensure that schools provide a safe and conducive learning environment for all students. To help curb school violence, schools have adopted zero-tolerance policies, which often…

Public concern over the general health of children in the United States has risen during recent years due to dramatic decreases in physical activity levels and increases in obesity and other health-related issues. This article examines the participation of students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, particularly athletic activities,…

Special education litigation remains a volatile area with significant practice implications. A review of the 2010 case law in the "Special Educator" identified discipline (manifestation determination, seclusion and restraints, harassment), evaluation/RTI, and postsecondary transition as specific areas of concern. School administrators should keep…

The participation and inclusion of students with disabilities in the general education setting has steadily increased over the past several years, facilitated in part by the amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Providing students with disabilities a free appropriate public education in this setting has proved to be…

Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) included substantive changes in the area of disciplining students with disabilities. Historically, discipline has been a divisive issue within the field of special education. Many administrators and teachers believe differential treatment has been afforded to this population, fostering…

Discusses three timely Individuals with Disability Act issues confronting school personnel: implications of complex health services related to the Supreme Court "Garret F" ruling; use of functional assessment as mandated by IDEA 1997 discipline amendments; and handling of Section 504 issues related to Asperger Syndrome. (Contains 16 references.)…

Discusses implications of the 1997 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments for local policy and practice. Secondary principals should understand new requirements for locating and evaluating eligible students with disabilities, including disabled students in state and districtwide assessment programs, involving regular teachers in…

Principals are pivotal in expanding opportunities for more inclusive programming while ensuring that students with disabilities receive carefully planned, individualized services. By allocating the necessary resources, providing inservice training, scheduling time for collaborative planning and preparation, and designing systematic program…

Given principals' responsibility to ensure that all their students are appropriately educated, they are obligated to provide adequate leadership for developing the knowledge base and competence to secure Section 504 compliance (and avoid unnecessary penalties). Section 504 applies to students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder who do…

An examination of disciplinary guidelines indicates that school officials are held to a higher standard of proof in disciplinary proceedings involving students with disabilities. Principals have considerable leeway for short-term disciplinary exclusions, and for excluding any students bringing firearms to school. Preventive measures are best for…