Teen dating violence is a common and often overlooked problem in schools. The consequences of teen dating violence often include decreased academic achievement and increased risk for school failure. The law may provide relief for targets of teen dating violence, including granting orders of protection (no-contact orders) against their…

In this informational survey, the author briefly explores the needs of professional staff and administrators who serve students in alternative educational settings and special education and provides a listing of helpful Internet resources. Initially, the author provides general information concerning the current state of alternative education…

This article describes use of Resource Coordinating Teams (RCT) to: (1) integrate school-support programs and services for students with disabilities with one another and with community resources and (2) encourage services and programs to function in an increasingly cohesive way. Discussion identifies RCT issues concerning student patterns,…

Discusses the purposes of student grades, including those driven by Individualized Education Programs. Grading options to ensure objectivity, fairness, and accountability for students with diverse needs are suggested. Types of tests available and possible adaptations are described. School districts are urged to create a grading policy that is…

This paper urges increased educator and community agency collaboration in preventing failure among students with special needs, including students with disabilities. A chart compares networking, coordination, cooperation, and collaboration and distinguishes among them in terms of types of interaction, examples, impact on students, and impact on…

A draft policy developed by the Minneapolis (Minnesota) public schools concerning the use of aversive or deprivation procedures with students who are handicapped is presented. The policy model covers such elements as response to prior interventions; written treatment plan; informed consent; supervision; maintenance and retention of records;…

This article presents a rationale for using curriculum-based measurement (CBM) in making special education eligibility decisions, offers a model of how CBM data can be used to make eligibility decisions, and discusses issues and controversies (such as linking CBM data to intervention and addressing exclusionary components) in using CBM for this…

This article examines the legal responsibilities of teachers, counselors, and administrators to report suspected child abuse. It provides a definition of child abuse and neglect as well as practical information on recognizing abuse and reporting it to the appropriate authorities. (DB)

This overview of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 notes differences between this law and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The procedural requirements that Section 504 imposes on teachers and principals are outlined, and issues concerning the possible coverage of children with attention deficit disorder are discussed.…

This discussion of dispute resolution and remedies under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act focuses on the due process hearing as well as alternative dispute resolution, appropriate relief, reimbursements, compensatory relief, punitive damages, and attorneys' fees. (DB)

This discussion of the legal considerations and safeguards concerning the assessment of students at risk for school failure focuses on procedural safeguards and best practices for assessing at-risk students at the prereferral intervention stage and the formal assessment stage, and considers the assessment of educational results. (DB)

This discussion of the discipline of students with disabilities notes rules and limitations that are different from those for the discipline of students without disabilities. Legal considerations in disciplining all students as well as those protected under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of…

A survey of 238 Kansas principals, which found searching of students (especially of students with disabilities) not uncommon, is reported. Relevant court litigation is briefly reviewed and lawful guidelines concerning "reasonable suspicion" and "reasonable scope" are explained. (DB)

An eco-behavioral observation system was developed for use with students with behavior disorders or emotional disturbances. Discussed are the ecosystem definition, the student-instructional setting interface, and the assessment procedure, including evaluation of the quality of academic responding, program evaluation, staff development, and…

This article describes children having emotional/behavioral disorders, presents data demonstrating the critical shortage of teachers for this population, discusses factors that contribute to this problem, and offers recommendations including giving teachers of these children an additional salary stipend and providing them the option of…