This study examined the content and characteristics of state departments of education position or policy statements on inclusion for 17 state education agencies. Analysis revealed that such policy/position statements usually address the meaning of the term "inclusion," the philosophy of inclusion, laws and court decisions pertaining to inclusion,…

To examine how consistently categories are defined and identification procedures are followed, the study compared variability of prevalence rates from state to state for each of the categories of special education. With effects of the size of means controlled for, the higher prevalence categories were no more variable as a group than lower ones.…

The article reacts to C. E. Sleeter's analysis of the history of learning disabilities by concluding that the fundamental problems in learning disabilities and other mildly handicapping conditions are the consequence of their politicization and not of political pressures for their establishment. (Author/DB)

Observation of resource room instruction of 66 elementary learning disabled (LD) and educable mentally retarded (EMR) students revealed no differences in instructional behavior of special educators holding differing teacher licensure and no differences in classroom behavior of students. Results suggest the categorical model is not appropriate for…

The trend in special education toward integrating students with disabilities into general education schools and classrooms and the trend in general education toward systematic reorganization of school governance structures, policy, and resource utilization present an opportunity for amalgamation of these viewpoints through broad-based, school…

School division compliance with Virginia state and federal regulations concerning the parent's role in the special education process was examined. Analysis of parent surveys and state department of education compliance reports found a high incidence of parent nonparticipation, inadequate communication to parents of their rights, and difficulties…

This article reviews case law regarding the recovery of attorney's fees for counsel services prior to holding a special education hearing within the legal parameters of Public Law 99-372, the Handicapped Children's Protection Act of 1986. Implications suggest that schools should establish mechanisms to avoid costly legal involvements and states…

A national survey found that approximately 75 percent of the states in the United States required general education teachers to have a course or two in special education or to meet some specific competency criteria--an increase over a 1984 survey. Research on how well teachers make use of such training is encouraged. (JDD)

This study of 55 elementary-level general, special, and remedial education teachers found no intergroup differences in perceptions of the amount or quality of assistance available for mainstreamed students with mild handicaps, or in perceived effectiveness or overall acceptability of eight instructional strategies and 11 social behavior…

A total of 93 elementary, middle school, and high school teachers rated the desirability and feasibility of adaptations for mainstreamed students in their general education classes. All adaptations were perceived as more desirable than feasible, and few differences were found among teachers of different grade levels. (Author/JDD)

This paper offers a conceptual and technical framework for examining alternative approaches for funding special education. The paper discusses fundamental policy questions that guide the selection of an appropriate funding approach, presents criteria for evaluating funding formulas, and analyzes alternative approaches for their fiscal and…

Survey of state directors of special education in 50 states and District of Columbia gathered data on provision of extended school year (ESY) services to students with handicaps within legal framework of Public Law 94-142 and Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Recommendations are presented for development of ESY policy reflecting current…

This paper discusses the importance of interagency coordination in developing services for young children with handicaps and their families. It suggests strategies to improve the functioning of interagency coordinating councils by considering council membership, role definition, goal commitment, vision of the early intervention system, and use of…

Parents, educators, and support personnel (n=585) were surveyed regarding prevalence of professional practices believed to interfere with integrated delivery of services to disabled students. Findings indicate high prevalence of interfering practices such as having sections of individualized education programs for each discipline, and allowing…

The legal parameters concerning how and when to properly graduate special education students are examined, through review of the United States Constitution, the Rehabilitation Act, the Education of All Handicapped Children Act, and subsequent case law. Recommendations on how school districts can properly terminate services are also presented.…