Critical theory is applied to determine why larger numbers of children are now identified as having special needs; acquiring such labels is found to be the result of complex social, economic, and political considerations. Explanations for educational problems are offered at three levels: personal/interpersonal, environmental/institutional, and…

This commentary offers authors' reflections on their case-study approach to examining the application of categorical and noncategorical special education (EC 612 095). The reflections address why the authors decided to study this issue, how case study methodology assisted in the study, and implications of the study. (SW)

To assess the potentially stigmatizing effects of the label "developmentally delayed," a term used to identify young children in need of early intervention, this study surveyed preschool teachers from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The 89 teachers who responded to the survey were all female, and all but 16 had received some…

This report examines current assessment and eligibility practices relating to special education programs, and proposes changes to current policy and practice that will encourage and support a process that emphasizes determining student need, designing effective interventions, and evaluating outcomes. The paper views the emphasis in federal and…

This paper presents the results of a study to investigate the effects of including an assessment of adaptive behavior, the Adaptive Behavior Inventory for Children (ABIC), in classifying students. Children in this study were either referred for or currently receiving special education services in a tri-ethnic district of 40,000 students. Three…

Using information collected from the parents and teachers of 829 special education elementary school students, the classification practices of five major metropolitan school districts were compared. Many special education students would have been classified consistently within and across districts. Inconsistencies were most likely for children…

This article begins with a discussion of the political and ideological dimensions of culture, cultural difference, and labeling. The authors follow with the assertion that administrator's beliefs, as expressions of personal values, are connected to their instructional behaviors and their leadership roles in schools (Hart Bredeson, 1996).…

The article traces the development of the concept of learning disabilities (LD) in American education from a sociohistorical perspective, prompting a variety of observations and conclusions. The scientific basis for the conceptualization of the LD clinical syndrome is weak. A clinically identified dysfunctional learning style has been transformed…

Special education categories for mildly handicapped students are not reliable nor valid as indicators of particular forms of education. Their use is expensive and inefficient, causing disjointedness in school programs. A program of pilot projects is recommended in conjunction with regular educators to redesign categorical programs and policies.…

Children are entitled to grow up in secure and nurturing environments that include caring adults; safe streets; decent shelter; adequate nutrition; access to health care and education; and advocacy on their behalf against the toxic influences of society. Far too many children are being referred to special education and mislabeled and medicated.…

This volume offers 12 readings which attempt to synthesize key ideas underlying a shift toward functional and noncategorical approaches to special education in light of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997. The chapters are: (1) "Origins of Categorical Special Education Services in Schools and a Rationale for…

This paper discusses the outcomes of a Finnish study that investigated the school experiences of former special education students with emotional and behavioral disorders. Twenty-three former students, who had attended classes for students with emotional and behavioral disorders were interviewed. The students had been out of special education and…

Describes a program undertaken by the Board of Education in Champaign, Illinois, to reevaluate and reclassify large numbers of Black children inappropriately classified as educable mentally handicapped (EMH). Raises policy considerations for school districts seeking to provide a remedy for students mistakenly classified as EMH. (MJL)

Despite public skepticism regarding steadily increasing numbers of learning-disabled students, most experts agree that 5 percent of schoolchildren suffer severe difficulties with language and other skills. There are three explanations: remediation is ineffective after second grade; identification comes too late; and federal policies overlook…

A number of studies of deaf adolescents, deaf college students and deaf females have shown that stereotyped aspirations and notions of sex-typed occupational roles are typical of deaf subjects. Deafness, like gender, represents a handicap for holding certain jobs. Societal pressure to fit the doubly stereotyped occupational roles mandated by their…