The purpose of this commentary is to respond to the article written by Voltz and Collins (2010) that considered the preparation of special education administrators for inclusion in diverse, standards-based contexts by highlighting the Administrator of Special Education Standards that were adopted in 2009 by the Council for Exceptional Children.…

The paper proposes a methodological expansion in evaluation research--an eco-behavioral approach. Implications of using the eco-behavioral approach in the evaluation of preschool programs for the disabled are discussed. This methodology is said to allow both determination of early intervention effectiveness and specification of factors responsible…

Informal assessment can make a valuable contribution to the assessment process in special education. Informal procedures are characterized by their ability to be tailored to the needs of specific assessment situations and are especially useful in student evaluation for this reason. (Author)

The author responds to a previous article (EC 122 795) explaining and critiquing various efficiency index formulas to quantify the effectiveness of intervention in preschool program for the handicapped. (DB)

The paper outlines a three dimensional model of person-environment congruence within a rehabilitation context. The model is then used in a discussion aimed at clarifying the concepts of disease, impairment, disability and handicap, and the relationship between the concept of functional assessment and the model. (Author/DB)

The author reviews his criticisms of standardized tests and suggests an alternative five-point plan for assessment that includes frequent testing in the child's classroom by a familiar examiner. (CL)

Data from a parent training outcome study demonstrated three types of subject reactivity noted by observers while collecting naturalistic observation data in family homes. Suggestions are made for future research, including the systematic collection of reactivity data during the course of observations and the examination of covariations between…

This paper addresses the issues of molar versus molecular assessment of integration of people with disabilities, definitions of integration, and assessment in measuring integration. Measures for four integration components are presented: (1) physical integration, (2) social integration, (3) relationships, and (4) social networks. (Author/DB)

Discussion of the measurement of happiness in people with mental retardation considers the social construction of happiness and various quantitative and qualitative measures of happiness. Practitioners are urged to assume that happiness for individuals with disabilities is composed of similar or the same factors and elements that have been shown…

Direct observation is the hallmark example of broader behavior assessment. As such, it involves a systematic process in which behaviors, settings, and their reciprocal relationship are studied. As a process, behavior assessment relies on multiple methods and repeated measurement. Each component in the behavior assessment battery makes a unique…

Guidelines are offered to help special education teachers select appropriate software and integrate computer-assisted instruction (CAI) into existing curricula. (JW)

The current technical history of nonbiased assessment for children with suspected handicapping conditions is highlighted. Definitions of fairness and experts' attempts to alleviate problems associated with bias in assessment are reviewed. Factors relating to nonbiased assessment are emphasized that normally do not receive sufficient attention.…

Though curriculum-based assessment (CBA) is considered a valuable evaluation procedure, areas of concern exist, including: assumptions regarding content of the CBA instrument, appropriateness of CBA as the only information source for individualized education programs, and recognition of CBA's limitations as a procedure/model under the current…

The paper maintains that impact evaluation studies of programs serving handicapped infants and preschoolers should be restricted to scientifically defendable investigations. Specific types of impact studies and an evaluation process are suggested. It is suggested that program leaders should focus evaluation activities on the status of project…

The paper sets forth the position of the Council for Exceptional Children's Division on Career Development regarding career/vocational assessment. The statement addresses the definitions, purpose, goals, methods, and personnel involved. (CL)