The definitions and educational policies related to learning disabilities have been updated throughout the last two decades since the passing of the Special Education Promotion Act (1994) in the Republic of Korea (South Korea). In particular, the definition of learning disabilities was entirely revised in the Special Education Act for Individuals…

In the spirit of moving toward a more "global community", multicultural special education practices designed to reach culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students represent an imperative in countries world-wide where education is a core value, including the United States (U.S.) and South Korea. As CLD students in the U.S. and…

Special education in Saudi Arabia was formally established in 1962. The earliest cited literature on special education written in English was a 1970 government report. This article presents results from the first synthesis of internationally published Saudi special education literature over a 44-year period. This synthesis yielded information…

A quantitative analysis of the admissions and graduation requirements guidelines of the special education doctoral programs at 20 top American universities was conducted. Admission requirements typically include an application fee, previous coursework GPA, previous field experience, GRE scores, TOEFL scores, professional writing sample(s), and…

The present paper reviews the literature regarding time-out interventions employed in home, school, and clinical settings. Characteristics examined include types of time-out, populations and settings, legal implications, and research implications. Policy recommendations for teachers, parents, and clinicians regarding time-out interventions are…

This research review examines various barriers that affect the retention and attrition of special education teachers. The purpose of this examination is to look at various problems associated with maintaining and attracting new teachers to the field of education. Retention and attrition will be vital components in addressing teacher shortages in…

An overview of special education services in five Western European countries (Federal Republic of Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy, and Switzerland) is presented. The countries are all currently undergoing reexamination of existing practices, though extensive variations exist between and within each country. (Author/DB)

Based on published literature and personal observations, the history of Soviet special and remedial education is reviewed. The interaction of special education with general public schooling and its development as compared with other countries are emphasized. A case study of Estonia provides a specific example. (Author/JDD)

Historical and contemporary special education in Japan and the United States are compared. Differences in societal acceptance of the handicapped, integration into regular education, educational finance, parental roles, governmental control, and staff training are highlighted. The authors' personal experiences demonstrating the influence of culture…

The number of handicapped children receiving special education in Zimbabwe is very limited and there appears to be no national policy for special education. However, the Swedish International Development Agency in cooperation with the Ministry of Education of Zimbabwe has conducted a national disability survey and is developing a special education…

A review of research on Direct Instruction in the United States and Australia indicates that the model consistently extends skills across the range of gifted to severely retarded learners. The demonstrated effectiveness of the model provides educators with a body of empirical data on which effective teaching strategies can be based. (Author/CB)

In South Africa, the policy of separate development means that there are four educational systems (for Whites, Blacks, Asians, and "Coloureds"). The disparities among these systems clearly favour the dominant minority group. Reflecting the same disparities and inequalities, special education is a matter of separating rather than…

Research relating to handicaps and handicapping conditions form the content of the discipline of special education in Hungary. While early research focused mainly on pedagogical, psychological, and pathological factors, environmental factors related to the successful rehabilitation and socialization of handicapped persons is the current major…

The article examines trends in statistical data and educational policies in Israel since 1948 toward students with handicaps. Considered are relevant legislation and procedures, the special education population in 1985/6, and the role of the family, community, and society. (DB)