Examination of data from the "Annual Reports to Congress on the Implementation of Public Law 94-142" from 1979 through 1989 revealed that the placement rate for students with learning disabilities being educated in restrictive, separate class settings almost doubled. The proportion of all students with learning disabilities served in…

This article presents a brief history of the transition of the federal definition for students who are gifted and talented, as well as a description of other definitions that have affected state definitions. A review of state definitions in 1990 and 1998 indicates that 29 states have modified their definition. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Findings from the United States Department of Education's tenth annual report on the implementation of Public Law 94-142 are extrapolated to characterize Black and Hispanic students in learning disability classes and the issue of minority student high-school completion rates. In light of the findings, a comprehensive follow-up study is…

During the early years of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the courts generally deferred to school officials on least restrictive environment (LRE) matters and ruled in favor of more restrictive placements. Recent cases may signal that the courts may be growing impatient with school officials for not providing less…

In response to the Tenth Annual Report (EC 210 334) and field reactions (EC 221 136-138), these articles address the need for simplified reporting, more analysis and less summary, and the development of a set of indicators to measure the health of special education. (DB)

The article demonstrates and describes a shift in both locus and focus of policy development in special education, by means of examples of recent public policy developments. (Author/DLS)

Thirty special educators were interviewed and asked to identify milestone events and pioneers in special education and to describe the development and role of teacher education, research, and The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) over the years. (DB)

The 1980s movement for improved transition of handicapped youth from school to work is considered in light of similar previous movements: (1) the career education movement of the 1970s and (2) the work/study movement of the 1960s. The influence of broad social issues (such as educational reform) on outcomes for the transition movement is stressed.…