Argues that the language of entitlement and empowerment is not always matched by correspondingly equitable actions. Applies this argument to provisions for students with disabilities and learning difficulties. Fears that students with the most complex needs will no longer have access to postsecondary education. (CFR)

Examines the educational policies and recent legislation concerning special education students in countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The OECD consists mostly of Western industrialized nations and Japan. Includes an overview of programs and resources, as well as several tables of statistical…

This study evaluated the current status and utilization of the Michigan Special Education Learning Materials Centers (SELMCs) mandated in 1970 by the State of Michigan 75th legislature and designed to assist administrators in future decision making. Twenty-two SELMC contact persons and 368 special educators were separately surveyed. Major results…

A New Mexico study interviewed 1 special education teacher and 1 administrator from each of 17 small rural school districts, via a 65-item interview guide related to staff development needs. Lack of staff development activities was identified as a critical problem for special educators. Training in instructional technology was the most frequently…

This handbook presents information on the minimum requirements for teacher certification in the state of Illinois. Requirements are listed for: (1) certification by transcript evaluation; (2) application procedures for individuals with foreign credentials; (3) qualification of teachers--utilization of certificates; (4) waiver of additional student…

A needs assessment determined the need for independent living skills for high school students with severe disabilities, as perceived by the students (n=45), their parents (n=38) and their teachers (n=7). Results revealed that the students believed that their lives were steadily improving, that they were more satisfied than dissatisfied with the…

This book is intended to facilitate the development of reflective problem solving in preservice and novice special educators through the presentation of cases illustrating issues commonly experienced in student teaching and beginning employment experiences in special education settings. Each of the eight chapters begins with a brief introduction…

This paper discusses the role of resource center teachers in helping students with attention deficit disorder (ADD) successfully make the transition to secondary school. It addresses: (1) characteristics of ADD, including academic underachievement, cognitive fatigue, fine motor dysfunction, lack of self-monitoring skills, poorly developed…

A graduate course at the University of New Hampshire is intended to help special educators of young children to develop communication and collaboration skills. Program evaluation has indicated that attitudes of professionals and their interactions with parents were changed in the direction of greater empathy, increased respect, and more…

This paper traces the history of leadership training in the field of special education as a context for a projection of future leadership personnel needs. The current situation in supply and demand for special education leadership personnel is analyzed, and it is found that the number of available personnel is dwindling while the number of job…

This guide presents materials for use in a workshop designed for a combined audience of parents of children with emotional handicaps and professionals in the mental health and special education fields. The workshop is designed to provide quality interactions between parents and professionals that may affect their attitudes toward each other in a…

This paper presents, first, the statutory entitlement authorizing support to educators of children affected by drugs or alcohol; then, a population overview which covers family characteristics, infant, preschool, and classroom needs; and finally, suggestions for recruitment and retention strategies in personnel training and direct service…

This manual addresses the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) requirement of Public Law 94-142. It presents model procedures for the collection of data necessary to project personnel needs in special education. Implementation of the model will identify: areas of education which show need for additional teachers as well as areas of…

The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) surveyed its member small institutions on the status of their programs for preparing teachers for working with handicapped students. Each chapter in this report on the survey is written by different educators from various small colleges in the United States. Chapter 1, "Coping…

Intended as a reference guide for early childhood special education personnel in North Dakota, this guide addresses required and recommended practices related to the delivery of services to children with disabilities, ages 3 through 5, and their families. The guide was developed by 50 specialists including parents and reflects all segments of the…