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The National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities (NJCLD)1 strongly supports comprehensive assessment and evaluation of students with learning disabilities by a multidisciplinary team for the identification and diagnosis of students with learning disabilities. Comprehensive assessment of individual students requires the use of multiple data sources. These sources may include standardized tests, informal measures, observations, student self-reports, parent reports, and progress monitoring data from response-to-intervention (RTI) approaches (NJCLD, 2005). Reliance on any single criterion for assessment or evaluation is not comprehensive, nor is a group assessment, such as universal screening or statewide academic assessment tests, sufficient for comprehensive assessment or evaluation. This paper is intended to inform administrators, educators, parents, and others concerned about the effective identification and education of students with learning disabilities about the components, processes, and participants necessary for comprehensive assessment and evaluation, as well as optimal practices that should further enhance the education of students with learning disabilities. The NJCLD has long recognized that inappropriate assessment and evaluation practices may result in questionable incidence rates for learning disabilities (NJCLD, 2001a). Similarly, the NJCLD (2001a, 2001b) has provided a solid foundation for addressing the issues of assessment, evaluation, identification, and eligibility of students with learning disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Response to intervention (RTI) can be considered an everyday practice in many parts of the United States, whereas, in Finland, only recently has a new framework for support in learning taken shape. Choosing Finland as the comparative partner for this policy paper is justified as its educational system has been widely referenced on the basis of good Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results. The results of the present comparative article showed first, that the U.S. RTI was primarily intended for diagnosing and preventing learning disabilities whereas the Finnish RTI is mainly an administrative structure for support. Second, the U.S. RTI includes clear definitions regarding the intensity, duration, and content of support provided within each tier whereas the Finnish version contains no explicit guidelines for support. Third, the U.S. RTI assumes no special educational services in the first two tiers, but the Finnish framework includes special educational services from the onset of support. Implications for policy and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the paper "A Case for the Small Special Education Personnel Preparation Program." The paper was created by Geiger William, Lesley Wheatley, and Joyce Blasi. They are from University of Arkansas, Furman University, and Eastern New Mexico University respectively. The paper addresses issues that are significant to students and teacher educators in the U.S. The following advantages of small special education preparation program are discussed: convenience, community orientation, counseling, opportunity to influence program and continued professional growth.

This paper introduces a special issue of Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, entitled “Common Core State Standards and Students with Severe Disabilities.” The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) is a far-reaching policy intended to help all students be college and career ready. Yet, there seems to be quite a gap between interpretation of the standards and development of academic and social supports based on these standards for students with severe disabilities. In this introduction, some background is presented on the CCSS and why it is critical to examine the impact of standards adaptation and implementation for all students, including students with severe disabilities. Additionally, a rationale for the special issue is presented, along with a description of the special issue contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a theoretical monograph on the definition of learning disabilities and reports an interview study of cooperative directors of special education within the State of Illinois. It is the second in a four-part series reporting Illinois' unique initiative in the area of learning disabilities. The first paper in the series (Serif & Comrey 1975) described the essential thrust of Project SCREEN, the development of a multifaceted, group screening instrument for kindergarten and first grade use. The definitional section of this paper espouses the position that learning disabilities, as a construct implying child-centered deviance, cannot long survive and that the real issue lies with the delivery of services to children experiencing difficulties in the interaction with the school rather-than in the wording of the specific definition of learning disabilities. The interview study of Illinois special education cooperative directors focused on (1) the definition of learning disabilities, screening and identification practices; (2) administrative structure of the Special Education Cooperatives; (3) models for delivering education services; and (4) the role of parent groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in online learning have benefited rural special education teacher preparation programs through increased recruitment, access, and collaboration. This paper describes how additional challenges, such as monitoring teacher candidate use of evidence-based practices, can be addressed through a digital teaching platform. Project REACH online is a freely available website developed under a grant from the U. S. Department of Education. The platform includes information on 67 evidence-based practices and six formative assessments aligned with professional standards. The assessments, designed to further and measure teacher candidate skills, mirror daily classroom tasks, such as planning before instruction and reflection after instruction on the impact on student learning. Assessments are aligned with Common Core Learning Standards and include tasks, such as applying Universal Design for Learning to instructional plans, field-testing reports, and annotating student work. Faculty benefit from the constant stream of formative assessment data at their fingertips. For teacher candidates, the platform provides a vehicle for learning and tracking progress toward goals through surveys, feedback requests, and digital badges. The platform increases interactions among teacher candidates, graduates, and faculty and extends collaboration to content experts and school partners. Preliminary research suggests that teacher candidates report variance in efficacy for teaching students with disabilities related to their program, general or special education. Data may be helpful in revising courses and program sequences to foster greater teacher efficacy and abilities to use evidence-based practices to ensure all students in inclusive settings learn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document provides policy recommendations of the Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders (CCBD) regarding disproportionality in special education and the need for federal policy driving state regulations to support efforts to eliminate this outcome in schools. CCBD is committed to advancing knowledge, effective instruction, and advocacy for students with emotional and behavioral disabilities, a special education population particularly vulnerable to disproportionate practices. Monitoring requirements in the 1997 and 2004 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) acknowledged the extent of racial and ethnic disproportionality in special education, especially when Congress designated this concern among the top three priority areas for monitoring and enforcement in IDEA 2004. However, federal interpretations of the 2004 requirements by the US Department of Education have created confusion at the State (SEA) and Local Education Agency (LEA) levels. While quantitative indices of racial and ethnic disparities remain high, an increasing number of states are finding no LEAs with disproportionality when it must be shown that disproportionality was caused by inappropriate identification. Such data suggest that federal interpretations of IDEA 2004, subsequent regulatory guidelines, and the design of indicators for monitoring and enforcement have not been effective in addressing disproportionate representation in special education. This policy paper includes (a) a review of information on the extent, status, and causes of special education disproportionality; (b) a review of the history and issues involved in the enforcement of IDEA'S disciplinary provisions; and (c) recommendations for improving federal policy regarding disproportionality in special education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Context: Testing accommodations have been widely utilized as a way of increasing the validity of content assessments for English language learner (ELL) students. However, concerns have also arisen regarding the appropriateness of accommodation use, including the accessibility and fairness of accommodations. While many states have developed ELL-specific accommodation policies and guidelines, little research has been available on how the accommodation policies are carried out in practice. Purpose/Objective/Research Question/Focus of Study: The present study investigated two states' accommodation policies, specifically for the states' respective large-scale Grade 8 math assessments, and conducted a case study to examine teachers' understanding of the policies and uses. The study aimed to identify issues to consider for an appropriate use of accommodations and provide useful information for policymakers to improve their accommodation policies. Research Design: The study utilized a qualitative method employing teacher surveys and interviews. The survey and interview instruments were developed based on previous literature and experts' feedback. The interview transcripts were coded by two researchers using a systematic coding scheme. Descriptive statistics of the responses were computed to observe trends across and within districts and schools. The results were also compared between states or between ELL and math teachers when applicable. Conclusions/Recommendations: Despite the limitation of the small sample in this study, the findings of the study offer practical implications for policymakers and educators in the use of accommodations for ELL students. The study found considerable variation reported by teachers with regard to the perception of accommodation decision makers, selection criteria, and the types of accommodations allowed in each state's math assessment. This variation raised serious concerns regarding the adequacy of the accommodation uses and the comparability of accommodated test results across schools. In this paper, we discussed a number of possible reasons for teachers' reported difficulty in keeping up with state policies: (a) lack of clear guidelines in making accommodation decisions and implementing accommodations in a standardized way, (b) lack of or limited opportunities in receiving information and communicating about accommodations among decision makers and teachers, and (c) limited resources and logistical difficulties. To support an appropriate use of accommodations for teachers, we recommend that states make efforts to provide comprehensive, operationalized guidelines for ELL accommodations, monitor the use of the guidelines, and hold regular professional meetings for ELL and content teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant issues still confront the field of emotional or behavioral disorders (E/BD) in providing a free, appropriate, public educational (FAPE) program for these students. This paper reviews recent case law for several critical areas of concern to the field today, including: (a) response to intervention (RTI) and child find procedures, (b) required mental health services, and (c) the controversial use of restraint to manage aggressive behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All students, including those with significant cognitive disabilities, must participate in accountability testing under NCLB regulations. Each state must provide an alternate assessment for students unable to participate in general accountability testing. Carefully designed alternate assessment systems have the potential to go beyond meeting federal reporting requirements by providing meaningful information about student progress that can guide decision making at the classroom and district level. In this paper, we discuss issues related to alternate assessment, including (a) balancing standardization and individualization, (b) setting performance criteria, (c) establishing links with progress monitoring and instruction, and (d) addressing special challenges of rural school systems that must be considered in designing and implementing an alternate assessment system that can fulfill this vision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current status of-at-risk and adjudicated youth with behavioral challenges provides a context for addressing needed future directions for research and practice in fields that impact this population. This context includes the myriad characteristics and complex needs of these youth, the programs and services currently available in communities and secure settings, and youth outcomes following incarceration. Recent and emerging national, state, and local initiatives and the benefits that have been realized or are anticipated from their application are presented. The challenges to achieving and sustaining these systems changes are then discussed. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research and practice, based on the issues raised in this special issue and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concern for ensuring an appropriate education for students with disabilities in rural schools and communities is predicated on balancing concerns for equity and excellence in the provision of special education and related services. The ethical behavior of educators is a driving force that ensures this balance. The study of ethics is concerned with the values that society deems appropriate and/or desirable. This paper examines expectations for ethical conduct through investigation of theoretical constructs, codes of ethics, and standards for professional practice. The unique ethical challenges faced by educators in rural schools and communities are explored from multiple perspectives. These challenges include the commitment to examine ethical issues in the following key components: (a) educational processes, (b) professional practices, (c) research, (d) professional development, (e) policy, and (f) leadership. A set of summary conclusions is offered along with considerations for future inquiry in this area. Ethical Considerations for Special Educators in Rural America [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article delineates the results of 7 gifted program evaluation studies conducted in 20 different school districts and places them in the context of major areas for gifted program improvement. The author suggests that the field of gifted education may be vulnerable to losing its infrastructure at local levels if enhanced program development in key areas does not occur over the next few years and if the studied districts are at all similar to the larger group. The paper discusses key areas of program development including identification, curriculum, program design, staff development, parental involvement assessment, and evaluation. The author contends that attention to these areas is essential for improving gifted program quality and stabilizing programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is the second in a 2-part synthesis of an international comparative seminar on the classification of children with disabilities. In this article, the authors discuss classification frameworks used in identifying children for the purpose of providing special education and related services. The authors summarize 7 papers that addressed aspects of disability classification in educational systems in the United States and the United Kingdom. They discuss current policies for determining which children receive special education services, the origins and evolution of these policies, and current dilemmas and challenges associated with classification schemes and the provision of special education. The authors also describe emerging data and possible models and practices that might be used in educational systems. They conclude with the recognition that both formal and informal educational classification systems will continue to be required within a system that must address the competing priorities of individual needs and the broader social and community goals of education. However, as was argued in the previous article, by understanding the mix of intentions that underpin these policies, as well as periodically reviewing the norms that underlie them, it may be possible to move classification to descriptors that can be used to efficiently and effectively define educational needs and distribute resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although American Indian and Alaskan Native students are disproportionately represented in special education programs and services across the nation, little has been written about this population in terms of disability status. Specifically, questions persist regarding the factors that place these students at risk for special education placement and services during the early childhood years. There is also a lack of research regarding effective educational services for this population. Originally commissioned for presentation at the 2005 Rural Early Childhood Forum on American Indian and Alaskan Native Early Childhood Learning, this paper explores the current state of the knowledge in educating young American Indian and Alaskan Native children with or at-risk of disabilities. Implications for practice and research are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Brown v. Board of Education (1954) case has left a lasting impact on the way children are educated in this country. Much has been written about the legacy of Brown as it relates to current desegregation practices, academic achievement for students of color, and school reform. This paper will examine the implications of the Brown decision on reform efforts in special education, as well as address the need for greater emphasis on teaching that reflects an understanding of the intersection of race, culture, and class. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents results from a study initiated by a consortium of non-public special education facilities to respond to issues of accountability. Research questions were (a) How do students from the most restrictive therapeutic non-public special education facilities compare with other nationally published studies?; and (b) How do positive and negative discharge students differ in transition experiences after leaving a restrictive therapeutic nonpublic special education facility? Three cohorts of EBD students discharged 1994-1997 from seven non-public special education facilities in Maryland were tracked for three years using a longitudinal panel design with telephone interview surveys. Descriptive results are presented, which indicated that students who received intensive and specialized services in non-public education centers completed/graduated (positive discharges) at a much higher rate than national and regional averages and had lower arrest rates at the end of three years. This sample was most independent at Year 2 (employment, living situation, and related outcomes), but by Year 3, level of independence was lower than Year 1. Limitations and implications of findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Policy Statements approved by the Delegate Assembly in the U.S. The Organization and Administration for Special Education policy statement is prepared by the CEC Policies Commission and is originally derived from a paper by Ernest Willenberg. Such statements suggest some of the major principles on which a special education administrative organization should be based. Special education shares with regular education the basic responsibility of public educational systems to fulfill their right to education for every child.

This paper reviews several programs for children with special needs, from historical perspectives, current involvements, and one particular orientation, called the ‘child development model.’ With respect to programs based on the child development model, it is recommended that each state consider planning toward the eventual organization of a child development agency, responsible for all children with special needs, irrespective of their characteristics, educational attainments, and prognoses. Further, it is recommended that, to the degree programs encourage and support the maintenance of children in community environments, they should be rewarded in both specific and general ways; and for purposes of better guaranteeing human rights and due process, citizen advisory and other advocacy groups should be organized throughout a state and given such support as would be needed to make these groups active and responsive grass roots partners in policy and decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the text of the position paper entitled "Basic Commitments and Responsibilities to Exceptional Children," a statement prepared by the Council for Exceptional Children Policies Commission and approved by the 1971 Delegate Assembly in the U.S. The contents of the statement include: the goal and commitment of special education; implementation of universal education; special education within the schools; the school and the family; the responsibility of higher education; and the levels of government responsibility for the support of special education.

The passage of legislation concerning the development of adequate educational programs for the gifted and handicapped children has been supported by The Council for Exceptional Children acting in unison with various organizations. This paper presents (a) a brief review of CEC's past efforts to improve federal legislative provisions; (b) organizational policy statements that were adopted in order to increase CEC's effectiveness as an instrument for the encouragement of legislation for handicapped children; and (c) a look into the future of special education based on current trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a description and analysis of the five titles of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (FL 89-10). Examples which demonstrate how this law can be adopted for handicapped children are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper shows the advances made through congressional legislation and attempts to provide insight into federal activities that concern all handicapped children and youth. Four people-oriented federal activities are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on various news briefs concerning the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). The CEC's 1988 Special Education yearbook, edited by June B. Jordan, has recently been issued. This yearbook is the third volume in an annual series. It serves as a current resource on special education information including federal policy actions; state policy; important reports; statistical data on exceptional students served and personnel employed; and directory listings of key offices, officials. and organizations concerned with special education. Generally, the Yearbook covers reports issued during the period July 1, 1987, to June 30, 1988. This yearbook, reportedly, is organized into four main sections: first, General Information papers; second, U.S. Statistics on Exceptional Children Served; third, Annual Awards; and fourth, Directory Information. The information is based on a questionnaire survey of provincial officials. The CEC's new LRE Bulletin Board, reportedly, is designed to provide information on student placement in the least restrictive environment. Some of the categories of information included on this board are: events, products and materials, projects, regional resource centers, legal and regulatory practices, and issue exploration.

The article comments on the paper about the merger of special and regular education in the United States by Susan Stainback and William Stainback. The underlying tenet of American education according to Stainbacks is that the education should fit the needs of the student rather than that the student should fit the needs of the education program. The criticisms of public education have been severe in condemning professional preparation, the faculties and the products. One educational problem linking to the diversity of human behavior is that adults, including teachers, vary in their abilities to cope with, manage and teach groups of differing ranges and intensity of diversity. Special education preservice training programs have failed to produce a good product.

The article provides information about the services of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) in the U.S. The Information Services Program of the CEC is a comprehensive data base on handicapped and gifted children with a specialty in special education. The Council will provide customized information products and services including a topical mini library that focus on specific areas of concern such mainstreaming and right to education. A series of special interest papers was developed by the Council to focus on current issues or trend in the field of special education.

The article reports on the third annual Student Literary Award competition in the U.S. The award was sponsored by the Council for Exceptional Children Division for Children with Communication Disorders. It is open to undergraduate and graduate students majoring in audiology education of the learning impaired, psychology, speech pathology, or special education. The participants must prepare a paper which is concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, education, and/or treatment of communications disorders in children. It will be evaluated on the basis of accuracy, use of relevant references, significance of content, originality, clarity, and organization. The paper may be of a review, discussion, or research report format. The entries must not exceed 3,000 words. There will be three copies to be submitted, it must be type written, double spaces on eight and one-half by eleven inches of paper. The first place winner will receive 50 dollars and second place winner will receive 25 dollars.

The article reports that the board of governors of the Council for Exceptional Children has authorized the establishment of (1) a policy commission, (2) a standing committee on professional standards and (3) an ad hoc study committee on professional membership requirements. The policy commission would be charged with developing basic papers on selected topics regarding basic papers on selected topics regarding policy positions in situations concerned with the education of exceptional children. The commission would report to the executive committee and boards of directors, and policy statements developed would come before the delegate assembly for adoption. The continuing committee on professional standards is established to (1) consider possible revisions and refinements of the professional standards report adopted by the delegate assembly in Toronto and (2) explore a possible means of implementation of the report.

Two recent amendments to The National Defense Education Act of 1958 enlarged its scope to include the education of exceptional children. The new Title XI allows colleges and universities to plan institutes in critical subjects for teachers of exceptional children. The amended Title ill provides for instructional materials to be used for all school children, including the exceptional. This paper briefly presents the Titles' provisions and indicates those who would be eligible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that the Division of Handicapped Children and Youth in the Office of Education has received a Presidential Citation in recognition of its outstanding contribution to greater economy and improvement in government operations in the U.S. The division's nomination for the award has been due to its cooperative effort in developing policies and procedures, inviting other organizations to participate in its program, processing of demonstration papers and proposals, and conducting site visits on research projects.

This article introduces the papers featured in the June 1, 2005 issue of the journal "Rural Special Education Quarterly." This issue describes the findings of new research on some of the issues confronting rural schools in the U.S. related to low incidence disabilities (LID). The first article shares the results of a national survey on appropriate educational services for students with LID. The findings show the preference for inclusive programs for these students and highlight the increasing need for qualified personnel to serve them. The second article describes an alternative program to certify teachers in the area of deaf and hard of hearing. The succeeding article discusses the problems encountered in assisting students with severe disabilities in making a satisfactory transition to adult life in rural communities.

The article reports that 61 papers presented at the 56th Annual International Convention of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) on May 3-5, 1978, in Kansas City, Missouri, have been entered into the ERIC system. These include the keynote address of Ernest L. Boyer, "A Follow up Study of Adults Who Were Clinically Diagnosed As Hyperkinetic in Childhood," "The Effect of Modeling Techniques on the Behavior of Severely Emotionally Handicapped Children (Autism)," and "High School Principals' Attitudes Toward the Handicapped and the Work Study Program."

The article reports that the National Education Association in the United States has published the report, "Education for All Handicapped Children: Consensus, Conflict, and Challenge," which indicates the reactions of educators, citizen groups and legislators to the criteria of Public Law 94-142. The most frequent criticism was on the huge demands on teacher time caused by individualized education program conferences, staff planning, paper work and in-service training. Suggestions include flexible scheduling, reduction of teacher-student contact, and weighted enrollments based on the severity of the handicap.

The article provides information about the First Annual Student Literary Award, sponsored by the Division for Children with Communication Disorder of the Council of Exceptional Children in the U.S. This award is open to students majoring in the fields of special education, speech, hearing and psychology. Possible contestants must prepare a paper about prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of communication disorders. The manuscripts should not to exceed 3000 words, double spaced, must be submitted. Entries must be submitted to Lyle L. Lloyd, chairman of the Student Literary Award Committee of the Council of Exceptional Children.