Ecocultural theory, which considers the sociocultural environment of the child and family, is proposed as a framework for designing intervention with handicapped children as mandated under Public Law 99-457, Education of the Handicapped Amendments (1986). The theory is illustrated with case material from two ongoing longitudinal studies. (DB)

Reviews research findings concerning elementary education in the inner city. Explains low-income children are vulnerable to school failure before entering school. Examines classroom variables and instructional factors, claiming conventional schooling places low demands on students. States research provides a model for making data based decisions…