The report analyzes a 1985 survey of the adequacy of materials sent by British local education authorities (LEAs) in compliance with a 1981 law requiring that authorities provide parents of children with special educational needs information concerning arrangements and policies for identification and assessment, the placement process, and appeal procedures. One hundred four LEA's in England and Wales were asked to submit materials designed for parents and detailing their policies. Findings of the 65 responses included the following: LEAs were reluctant to spell out LEA duties to parents; only a third of LEAs tell parents they have a right to be fully consulted and receive all relevant information; only 8% refer to the issue of confidentiality; 48% fail to mention parents' right of appeal; and 54% fail to refer to annual reviews. The report consists of two parts: one describes the survey; the second provides related readings, a summary of the 1981 Education Act and the accompanying regulations, the text of a circular explaining the government's rationale behind the Act, suggestions for further reading, useful addresses, and addresses of local education authorities. (DB)