A paper on the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 (P.L. 94-142) provides information to state legislators on requirements and application procedures and speculates on significance of compliance for rural New Mexico school districts (New Mexico has never implemented P.L. 94-142). The five purposes of the paper are to describe major…

In reviewing the history of educational finances in New Mexico from 1850 to the present, the evolution of the state's financing program and the reasons for its unique separation of educational finances from educational programs is explored. The state's rational, forward-looking approach to public education is attributed to federal neglect when New…

The federal government's interest in gifted education is traced from the Education Amendments of 1969, and the effects of social forces, such as Sputnik, the "Great Society" ideal, and the economic requirements for trained, qualified, and creative personnel, is examined. Increased emphasis on gifted/talented education at the state level is noted,…

The ability of principals to evaluate special education teachers is an area of concern due to the principals' lack of training or experience in special education. Available research findings clearly indicate the need for training of principals in special education concerns. A statewide survey of principals was conducted to determine their levels…