Argues that the language of entitlement and empowerment is not always matched by correspondingly equitable actions. Applies this argument to provisions for students with disabilities and learning difficulties. Fears that students with the most complex needs will no longer have access to postsecondary education. (CFR)

Examines the educational policies and recent legislation concerning special education students in countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The OECD consists mostly of Western industrialized nations and Japan. Includes an overview of programs and resources, as well as several tables of statistical…

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) "Special Education at a Glance," which includes a copy of the "Guide to Planning and Assessing School-Based Special Education Programs," provides in a single document, information about the special education population at each MCPS school, including enrollment, staffing, special education…

In an effort to support the public schools' initiatives to develop effective schools for all students, particularly those who are work bound, the College of Education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University instituted a graduate program aimed at preparing collaborative instructional leaders. The major goal of the program was to…

This newsletter theme issue presents highlights from the "Seventeenth Annual Report to Congress" on the implementation, impact, and effectiveness of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It presents 19 tables and 1 figure reproduced from the annual report. The issue covers: (1) funding for IDEA Part B and Chapter 1 of…

This study compared the knowledge and skill levels of urban and rural special education teachers across 13 emotional and behavior disordered (EBD) competency areas. Fifty-eight graduate students enrolled in special education courses at California State University at Fresno completed the Emotionally and Behaviorally Disordered Teacher Competencies…

A staff development program in two western states helps professionals in rural school systems provide comprehensive transition services to students with disabilities. The program was designed to be relevant to rural constituents and to overcome the lack of understanding of local needs by university personnel. A vision statement relating to desired…

This report discusses findings from a study that examined the inclusiveness of state standards for students with disabilities. Specifically, the study investigated the extent to which individuals who know students with disabilities were involved in the development process, the extent to which students with disabilities were identified as being a…

Designed for high school students interested in careers in special education and related services, this guide outlines the role of a secondary school special education teacher. It addresses the nature of the work, the education required for the position, the personal qualities people should have who choose to be secondary special educators, job…

This study evaluated the current status and utilization of the Michigan Special Education Learning Materials Centers (SELMCs) mandated in 1970 by the State of Michigan 75th legislature and designed to assist administrators in future decision making. Twenty-two SELMC contact persons and 368 special educators were separately surveyed. Major results…

A New Mexico study interviewed 1 special education teacher and 1 administrator from each of 17 small rural school districts, via a 65-item interview guide related to staff development needs. Lack of staff development activities was identified as a critical problem for special educators. Training in instructional technology was the most frequently…

The issue of special education services for culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students is generally discussed in relation to geographic areas with large minority populations. However, CLD students in less populated areas are also in need of special services. This study reports on a survey that was conducted to determine the perceptions…

This report presents the evaluation of the 1984-85 Special Education Training and Resource Center Program (SETRC) of the Division of Special Education of the New York City Public Schools. The program provided training activities to: (1) support the transition to new state regulations by training special and general educational personnel; (2) meet…

Teachers who have been trained to work with normal young children (early childhood certification) or with older handicapped children (special education certification) are often unprepared to assume the multiple responsibilities of the teacher of preschool handicapped children. The purpose of this project was to address this need by implementing…

A study determined the existing vocational/special education certification policies and practices in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and trust territories. A survey instrument collected data from the 55 state vocational special-needs consultants. The response rate was 85 percent (47 persons). Conclusions were that most states do not issue…