A strategy for managing an effective special services program in a small, rural school (Wilson Creek, Washington) is described. The approach is built upon the nucleus of a full time special education teacher who coordinates schoolwide services. Responsibilities of this position include assisting teaching staff in mainstreaming special education…

This paper focuses on the difficulties faced by rural school districts in their efforts to serve children with severe multiple disabilities. Both historic and contemporary views on mainstreaming and inclusion of students with multiple disabilities are presented. Concerns of educators about the inclusion of such students center around the amount of…

Summarizes a dissertation that compares the transition outcomes of special needs students in Georgetown, South Carolina, with findings from the National Longitudinal Transition Study. Both studies found that special needs students were generally unemployed and underemployed and experienced socialization problems after high school, with greater…

This study surveys states' mandates, definitions, and components of transition programs that assist disabled students in successfully moving to the community environment. Among the 60 state-level directors of special education surveyed, 34 state and 4 territorial directors responded to the questionnaire comprised of 8 questions, and nominated 230…

Because of their cultural experiences, gifted Asian and Pacific-American children may demonstrate high ability and task commitment but need support for creativity--the third characteristic of productive, gifted individuals. Instructional approaches that reduce external evaluation, encourage risk taking, and provide opportunities for divergent…

Discusses the impact of socioeconomic and demographic changes on rural schools and their need for new inclusive strategies. Identifies five principles for planning inclusive strategies: collaboration; family-centered and community-based schooling; programs and learning environments that match student needs; meeting public standards; and…

Evaluation of a program that traveled to various sites in rural New Mexico to evaluate special education students for augmentative and alternative communication needs revealed that parents and teachers were positive about the quality of services provided. Additionally, graduate students involved in providing services were positive about their…

A survey of 100 rural school administrators in the Southwest identified assessment skills, teaching methods, and parent involvement as the most important competencies for teaching bilingual children with disabilities. Respondents also stressed the importance of understanding the cultural and linguistic background of minority students. Discusses…

Examines the challenges of providing educational leadership in rapidly changing rural school settings. Describes a leadership development model that stresses learning in action, examines the role and responsibilities of school boards related to educational leadership, and suggests that the Individual Education Plan process can be a model for…

This paper highlights specific issues surrounding implementation of Titles I and II of Public Law 99-457, and illuminates how federal rules and regulations and the states' positions on the law should reflect the needs of rural and remote communities. The issues include: legislative planning and appropriations to meet the needs of rural handicapped…