Historically, state departments of education, or SEAs, have--for the most part--been compliance-focused organizations that managed federal education policy. Over the past several decades, these agencies have been education policy implementation entities. Today, while their compliance responsibilities have remained, they are taking on more…

The purpose of this study was to determine whether students with identified behavioral needs were provided a different level of behavioral intervention based on their special education disability category verification. A second purpose of this study was to determine what caused potential differences as interpreted by individuals working in the…

The position paper of the Grand Island, Nebraska, schools supports the assumption that when a pupil's handicap affects his ability to learn and perform, appropriate special education should include guidelines for special grading. The paper identifies grading obstacles such as differing perceptions of various participants in the grading process.…

The paper presents information in a question and answer format about the evaluation of special education program effectiveness. A seven-step process used in Nebraska is presented: (1) evaluation preview, (2) outline of evaluation questions, (3) information collection plan, (4) analysis and interpretation plan, (5) report plan, (6) management plan,…

Project Accommodate, a program designed to improve inservice to regular Nebraska secondary teachers serving handicapped students, is described. The state's needs for inservice training to implement the goal of providing services in the least restrictive environment are discussed as background to Project Accommodate's development. Goals of the…

A survey of 983 special education teachers in Nebraska found that almost one third taught health education to students with disabilities, however, many of these teachers did not perceive themselves as being adequately prepared or confident in their ability to address health education issues related to students with disabilities. (Author/CR)

Eight successful secondary special education school programs in Nebraska were visited in 1983, 1988, and 1996. Findings indicate an increased consideration being given to transition, including more training in the community, emphasis on the role of work, linkages with adult agencies, and the use of job coaches and school rehabilitation counselors.…

The paper provides guidelines for establishing and operating teacher aide programs in special education. Chapter I considers legal aspects of using paraprofessionals with emphasis on the stance of the Nebraska Professional Practices Commission. A second chapter outlines the roles and duties of teachers and aides, offers sample job descriptions for…

The booklet, part of a project to identify successful secondary programs serving special education students in Nebraska, describes 12 programs. The 12 programs were selected from 27 nominations on the basis of service delivery approach, disability served, and success. The 12 sites were visited and staffs were interviewed. Eight programs are…

This document brings together descriptions of education-to-work transition services for individuals with disabilities, as presented at a 1994 conference. The document begins with a discussion of the National Transition Network, focusing on its historical background and state-level technical assistance. "Transition from School to Adult Life…

This statistical report presents data in the form of tables, graphs, and text on special education in Nebraska for the year 1994-95 and general trend data going back to 1985. State summary data are provided by child's age, primary disability, and county of residence for the following: Nebraska special education Child Count; ward status; program…

A two part study examined the use and needs of paraprofessionals in the education of handicapped children in Nebraska. Financial forms from school districts were analyzed to determine the number of special education teacher aides employed, salary costs, program costs, and number of students served. In the second part, administrators, special…

This final report of the Nebraska Special Education Accountability Commission presents recommendations for reforming the state's special education system. The tasks of the commission were to develop recommendations for a new funding system for special education which would be identification and placement neutral, to encourage preventive services,…

This document presents findings from interviews conducted to obtain information on changes that have occurred in state Special Education Advisory Panels (SEAPs) since the passage of the 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The interviews investigated general organizational changes, SEAP involvement in the…

This manual is designed to assist Nebraska school districts in identifying high-ability students. Chapter 1, "Philosophy Regarding High-Ability Learners," explores characteristics of high-ability learners, the unique needs of high-ability learners, roadblocks to meeting student needs, the need for staff development, the importance of…