This editorial introduces articles in this issue on the legal issues involved in educating students with disabilities and students at risk for school failure. It is intended to acquaint readers with the current requirements of special education law and recent developments in statutory and case law. (DB)

The purpose and evolution of educational assessment are considered. Alternatives to standardized assessment include performance assessment, authentic assessment, and portfolio assessment. Issues concerning outcomes of the assessment revolution include appropriate standards, associated changes in curricula and grading, and questions regarding…

This paper describes the distinct strengths and weaknesses of special education in rural schools and discusses issues regarding rural education reform recommendations, such as inadequate resources, parental involvement, and use of rigidly interpreted performance standards. Preventive service delivery systems are recommended, and several policy…

This paper examines reform efforts needed to confront the realities that children at risk bring to public education. These at-risk children include children prenatally exposed to drugs, children with human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome, homeless children, and children of abuse and neglect. Recommendations for…

This paper argues that present service delivery models for Chapter 1 students have questionable effectiveness and calls for collaborative consultation between teachers of Chapter 1 and regular programs to better serve this population of at-risk students. This system change requires defining collaborative consultation, developing a collaborative…