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Clearinghouse on Educational Policy and Management
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| College of Education · University of Oregon |
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Trends and Issues: School Choice
Special EducationJournal ArticlesEJ648761 EA539758Determining Charter Schools' Responsibilities for Children with Disabilities: A Guide through the Legal Labyrinth. Author: Mead, Julie F. Availability: Web site: http://www.ehponline.org Journal Citation: Journal of Law & Education, v31 n3 p305-26 Jul 2002 Publication Date: 2002 ISSN: 0275-6072 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Legal/Legislative/Regulatory materials (090) Journal Announcement: CIJNOV2002 Abstract: Reviews legal issues pertaining to charter schools' responsibilities for children with disabilities. Examines Section 504, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Discusses what special issues attach when charter schools seek to serve only or predominately children with disabilities. Explores implications of special-education law for charter-school authorizers. (Contains 114 references.) (Author/PKP) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *Children; Contracts; *Disabilities; Elementary Secondary Education; Federal Legislation; School Districts; *School Law; *Special Education; *State Legislation Identifiers: Americans with Disabilities Act 1990; Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; Rehabilitation Act 1973 (Section 504) EJ645078 EC629834 Children with Special Needs and School Choice: Five Stories. Author: Harris, Sandra Availability: http://llt.msu.edu Journal Citation: Preventing School Failure, v46 n2 p75-78 Win 2002 Publication Date: 2002 ISSN: 1045-988X Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: CIJSEP2002 Abstract: This article presents case studies of five students who had experienced school failure and chose to attend either of two public charter schools in Texas. In all cases, small school and class size appeared to be the critical factors in the creation of small, caring, learning communities that promoted changing attitudes and negative school experiences into positive ones. (Contains references.) (DB) Descriptors: *At Risk Persons; Case Studies; *Charter Schools; *Class Size; Decision Making; Educational Environment; Elementary Secondary Education; *School Choice; *School Size; Student Placement; EJ618008 EC626314 Charter Schools and Students with Special Needs: How Well Do They Mix? Author: Estes, Mary Bailey Availability: Journal Citation: Education and Treatment of Children, v23 n3 p369-80 Aug 2000 Publication Date: 2000 ISSN: 0748-8491 Language: English Document Type: Information Analysis (070); Journal articles (080) Journal Announcement: CIJJUN2001 Abstract: This article reviews the literature citing legal and ethical concerns regarding students with disabilities and charter schools and school choice. It questions the degree to which students with disabilities, and particularly emotional/behavioral disorders, are served in charter schools. It reports on an informal survey measuring service to students with disabilities in some charter schools in Texas. (Contains references.) (Author/DB) Descriptors: *Behavior Disorders; *Charter Schools; Compliance (Legal); Delivery Systems; Disabilities; Elementary Secondary Education; *Emotional Disturbances; Ethics; *School Choice; Special Education Descriptive Terms: Special Issue: Severe Behavior Disorders of Children and Youth. EJ608095 EC625036 Charter Schools and Students with Disabilities: Parent Perceptions of Reasons for Transfer and Satisfaction with Services. Author: Lange, Cheryl M.; Lehr, Camilla A. Availability: Journal Citation: Remedial and Special Education, v21 n3 p141-51 May-Jun 2000 Publication Date: 2000 ISSN: 0741-9325 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Reports--Research (143) Journal Announcement: CIJDEC2000 Abstract: Parents (N=600) of students with and without disabilities enrolled in Minnesota's charter schools were surveyed. Parents answered questions about reasons for charter school enrollment, perceived changes in their child, level of satisfaction, level of parent involvement, and special education service availability. Parents of children with disabilities cited special education services as a major factor in charter school enrollment. (Contains references.) (Author/DB) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *Decision Making; *Disabilities; Elementary Secondary Education; Enrollment; Parent Attitudes; *School Choice; *Special Education; Surveys Identifiers: *Minnesota EJ601153 EA536651 The Charter Challenge. Author: Watkins, Tom Availability: Journal Citation: American School Board Journal, v186 n12 p34-36 Dec 1999 Publication Date: 1999 ISSN: 0003-0953 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Opinion papers (120) Journal Announcement: CIJAUG2000 Abstract: Most charter schools are true bridges to the 21st century. However, some schools are breaching the separation of church and state, neglecting special-education students, playing favorites with admission, or expelling students who "do not fit" their school. Proposes corrective action to ensure that charter schools are shaped toward democratic ends. (MLF) Descriptors: *Change Strategies; *Charter Schools; *Educational Improvement; Elementary Secondary Education; Public Schools; Special Education EJ599104 EA536782 For-Profit Schools Continue To Skimp on Special Education: A Response to Naomi Zigmond. Author: Ramanathan, Arun K.; Zollers, Nancy J. Availability: Journal Citation: Phi Delta Kappan, v81 n4 p284-89 Dec 1999 Publication Date: 1999 ISSN: 0031-7217 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Opinion papers (120) Journal Announcement: CIJJUL2000 Abstract: Critiques a November 1999 "Kappan" article praising one charter school's special-education program, arguing that most Massachusetts for-profit charter schools receive funding for disabled students whom they refuse to serve. These schools have excluded, counseled out, mistreated, and withheld needed services from numerous students with complicated disabilities. (Contains 19 references.) (MLH) Descriptors: *Access to Education; *Charter Schools; *Disabilities; Educational Equity (Finance); Elementary Secondary Education; Equal Education; Proprietary Schools; *Selective Admission; *Special Education Identifiers: Massachusetts; *Profit Making Schools EJ597097 EA536589 Special Education Revisited: A Response to Zollers and Ramanathan. Author: Zigmond, Naomi Availability: Journal Citation: Phi Delta Kappan, v81 n3 p228-34 Nov 1999 Publication Date: 1999 ISSN: 0031-7217 Language: English Document Type: Journal articles (080); Opinion papers (120); Reports--Descriptive (141) Journal Announcement: CIJJUN2000 Abstract: After spending one day weekly during fall 1998 observing how students with disabilities are served in an Edison school, a teacher educator concludes that Nancy Zollers and Arun Ramanathan did the Seven Hills Charter School a great injustice in their December 1998 "Kappan" article. (Contains 17 references.) (MLH) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *Delivery Systems; *Disabilities; Elementary Education; *Inclusive Schools; Program Effectiveness; *Remedial Programs; *Special Education Identifiers: *Edison Project EJ534011 EA532603 Charter Schools: A New Barrier for Children with Disabilities. Author: McKinney, Joseph R. Availability: Journal Citation: Educational Leadership v54 n2 p22-25 Oct 1996 Publication Date: 1996-00-00 ISSN: ISSN-0013-1784 Language: English Document Type: Reports (141); Reports (142); Journal Articles (080) Journal Announcement: CIJAPR1997 Abstract: Evidence from Arizona and other states demonstrates that children with disabilities lack equal access to charter schools. Charter school operators are avoiding potentially high-cost students and are unprepared to meet their needs. Charter schools need to strike cooperative resource-sharing arrangements with neighboring districts. States must monitor charter schools to ensure compliance with federal legislation. (MLH) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *Disabilities; Educational Legislation; Elementary Secondary Education; *Federal Legislation; Individualized Education Programs; School Responsibility; *Special Education; *Special Needs Students; *State Legislation Identifiers: *Arizona; California; Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; Minnesota DocumentsED464427 EC308899Project SEARCH: Special Education as Requirements in Charter Schools. Final Report of a Research Study: Cross-State Analysis of Findings and Summaries of State Case Studies. Author: Ahearn, Eileen M.; Lange, Cheryl M.; Rhim, Lauren Morando; McLaughlin, Margaret J. Institutional Author: National Association of State Directors of Special Education, Alexandria, VA.(BBB30157) Availability: National Association of State Directors of Special Education, Project Search, 1800 Diagonal Rd., Suite 320, Alexandria, VA 22314. Web site: http://www.nasdse.org/Project/Search/ProjectSearch documents.html. For full text: http://www.nasdse.org/project search.htm. Sponsoring Agency: Special Education Programs (ED/OSERS), Washington, DC. (EDD00017) Publication Date: October 2001 Language: English Document Type: Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: RIENOV2002 Abstract: This document presents findings of Project SEARCH, a qualitative research study of how charter schools interpret laws and regulations governing the education of children with disabilities, especially the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The project involved a preliminary 15-state policy analysis followed by in-depth case studies of seven states (Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Minnesota, North Carolina) and the District of Columbia. Findings identify recurring themes in the areas of governance, service delivery models, accountability, operational issues, and technical assistance. Two central tensions or policy conflicts were also identified: first, balancing procedural regulations and the goal of autonomy and second, negotiating parental choice and special education team decision making. Ten recommendations address the themes identified earlier and include: (1) policy guidance is needed regarding a charter school's local education agency's status as it applies to legal responsibilities under IDEA and related state laws; (2) authorizers should permit charter schools to consider a variety of options for meeting their special education responsibilities; and (3) during the initial start-up (one to three years) charter schools should affiliate with a special education infrastructure. Extensive appendices include details on the study's methodology and executive summaries for each of the state case studies. (Contains 15 references.) (DB) Descriptors: Accountability; Case Studies; *Charter Schools; *Compliance (Legal); Delivery Systems; *Disabilities; Elementary Secondary Education; Governance; Qualitative Research; School Administration; *Special Education; State Standards; Technical Assistance Identifiers: *Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Contract Number: H324C980032 Geographic Source: U.S.; Virginia ED455656 EC308544 Public Charter Schools and Students with Disabilities. ERIC Digest E609. Author: Ahearn, Eileen Institutional Author: ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education, Arlington, VA.(BBB36343) Availability: ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education, Council for Exceptional Children, 1110 North Glebe Rd., Arlington, VA 22201-5709. Tel: 800-328-0272 (Toll Free); Fax: 703-620-2521; e-mail: ericec@cec.sped.org. For full text: http://www.ericec.org. Sponsoring Agency: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC. (EDD00036) Publication Date: June 2001 Report Number: EDO-EC-01-4 Language: English Pages: 4 Document Type: ERIC product (071); ERIC digests in full text (073) Journal Announcement: RIEJAN2002 Abstract: This digest examines the unique nature of public charter schools, explains their obligations to students with disabilities, and presents the results of two federally funded studies of special education in charter schools. It finds wide variations among the 37 states which permit charter schools. The digest stresses the importance of the legal identity of the charter school, such as whether the school is an independent local education agency or tied in varying degrees to a larger district. Among the studies' findings are the following: enrollment of students with more significant disabilities in charter schools is relatively rare; most schools have little data to document the impact of their programs on students with disabilities; and most charter school operators have limited understanding of special education funding sources. Two critical policy conflicts are identified: (1) team vs. parental choice in educational decision making; and (2) charter school autonomy vs. regulation of special education. The digest concludes that charter schools need to be connected with a special education infrastructure. (Contains 10 resources.) (DB) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Compliance (Legal); Decision Making; *Disabilities; Elementary Secondary Education; Federal Regulation; Nontraditional Education; *Public Schools; Regular and Special Education Relationship; School Based Management; School Choice; School District Autonomy; *School Policy; *Special Education Contract Number: ED-99-CO-0026 Geographic Source: U.S.; Virginia ED452657 EC308497 Charter Schools and Students with Disabilities: A National Study. Final Report. Author: Fiore, Thomas A.; Harwell, Lessley M.; Blackorby, Jose; Finnigan, Kara S. Institutional Author: Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD.(BBB22888); SRI International, Menlo Park, CA.(BBB18035) Availability: ED Pubs, PO Box 1398, Jessup, MD 20794-1398; Tel: 877-433-7827 (Toll Free); Tel: 877-576-7734 (TDD); Fax: 301-470-1244; Web site: http://www.ed.gov/pubs/edpubs.html. For full text: http://www.uscharterschools.org/pdf/fr/spednatlstudy .pdf. Governmental Status: Federal Sponsoring Agency: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC. (EDD00036) Publication Date: 2000 Language: English Pages: 53 Document Type: Reports--Research (143) Journal Announcement: RIEOCT2001 Abstract: This final report discusses the outcomes of a study that examined how charter school developers have used the opportunities provided by their charters to serve students with disabilities. Between March 1998 and June 1999, 32 public charter schools in 15 states were visited and 151 parents of students with disabilities, 196 teachers, and 164 students were contacted. Findings from the study indicate: (1) parents of students with disabilities at more than half of the schools identified dissatisfaction with their child's previous non-charter school as a reason for enrolling their child in the charter school; (2) enrollment of students with more significant disabilities is relatively rare; (3) rather than excluding students with disabilities, some charter schools specifically target these students and other at-risk learners; (4) most charter schools identify new students with disabilities as the need arises; (5) most schools use the term "inclusion" to describe their approach to serving students with disabilities; and (6) most students with disabilities are well integrated into the overall life of the school. The appendix includes excerpts of charter school operators' legal responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as amended in 1997 and the Charter School Expansion Act of 1998. (CR) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *Delivery Systems; *Disabilities; Educational Environment; Elementary Secondary Education; Federal Legislation; *Inclusive Schools; National Surveys; *Parent Attitudes; Parent Teacher Cooperation; Satisfaction; *Special Education; Teacher Attitudes Identifiers: Individuals with Disabilities Educ Act Amend 1997 Contract Number: RC-97-11-0301 Geographic Source: U.S.; District of Columbia ED444297 EC307986 Charter Schools and Special Education: Balancing Disparate Visions. An Investigation of Charter Schools and Special Education in Fifteen States. Author: Rhim, Lauren M.; McLaughlin, Margaret J. Institutional Author: National Association of State Directors of Special Education, Alexandria, VA.(BBB30157) Availability: Web site: http://www.nasdse.org/Project/20Search/ProjectSearch documents.htm Sponsoring Agency: Special Education Programs (ED/OSERS), Washington, DC. (EDD00017) Publication Date: February 2000 Language: English Pages: 45 Document Type: Reports--Evaluative (142) Journal Announcement: RIEFEB2001 Abstract: This report describes activities and findings of Project SEARCH, an on-going qualitative research project investigating the current status of policies regarding children with disabilities in charter schools. The project has involved a preliminary analysis of all current charter laws to examine the inclusion of students with disabilities and a more focused investigation of charter schools in 14 states and the District of Columbia. Currently the project is conducting in-depth case studies of 7 of the 15 states to develop a set of policy recommendations that will be presented for review and validation at national meetings of general and special educators, parents, and representatives of charter schools. Findings to date have identified seven general categories pertinent to special education in charter schools: (1) state charter school laws, (2) the charter granting process, (3) charter school governance, (4) admissions and enrollment, (5) operational (staffing, technical assistance, facilities, and transportation), (6) finance, and (7) data collection and accountability. Findings suggest that charter schools fare better if they are "totally-linked" or "partially-linked" with a local district special education infrastructure and become part of a state or local "continuum of service." The somewhat disparate visions of charter schools and special education are seen as a major issue. (Contains 23 references.) (DB) Descriptors: Accountability; Case Studies; *Charter Schools; *Disabilities; Educational Legislation; Educational Objectives; *Educational Policy; Elementary Secondary Education; Inclusive Schools; *Regular and Special Education Relationship; *Special Education; State Legislation Contract Number: H324C980032 Geographic Source: U.S.; Virginia ED442221 EC307857 The Politics of Special Education Policy in Charter School Legislation: Lessons from Pennsylvania. Author: Dale, Richard E. Availability: EDRS Price MF01/PC02 Plus Postage. Publication Date: April 24, 2000 Language: English Pages: 36 Document Type: Reports--Evaluative (142); Speeches/meeting papers (150) Journal Announcement: RIEDEC2000 Abstract: This study explored how and why special education policy issues were treated as they were in the formulation of Pennsylvania's charter school law, Act 22 of 1997. The qualitative study utilized formal and informal interviews of state policymakers, review of documents, review of archival records, and participant observation. Findings indicated a philosophical mismatch between two educational concepts: charter schools (a deregulated movement) and special education (seen as an over-regulated area). Among 15 specific findings were the following: (1) policymakers failed to anticipate the paradoxical outcome of making charter schools autonomous; (2) special education issues were neglected because special education experts were not called upon to contribute to the design of Act 22 of 1997; (3) policymakers feared that the charter school bill might be derailed if much time or exposure were given in the debate to the controversial matter of special education; and (4) the shift in competing values away from an emphasis on equity to a focus on liberty (choice) and efficiency contributed to the neglect of special education issues. The paper urges Pennsylvania policymakers to review and clarify issues concerning the Act's special education funding formula, admission of children with disabilities, transportation, and teacher certification. (Contains 25 references.) (DB) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *Disabilities; *Educational Legislation; Educational Policy; Elementary Secondary Education; Federal Legislation; Qualitative Research; Regular and Special Education Relationship; *Special Education; *State Legislation Identifiers: *Pennsylvania Descriptive Terms: Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association (New Orleans, Louisiana, April 24-28, 2000). Target Audience: Policymakers Geographic Source: U.S.; Pennsylvania ED432870 EC307358 United States and Mexican State Directors of Special Education: Information Exchange Meeting, February 7-9, 1999. Proceedings Document. Final Report, Deliverable-Task 2-3.1b. Institutional Author: National Association of State Directors of Special Education, Alexandria, VA.(BBB30157) Availability: Project FORUM at NASDE, 1800 Diagonal Road, Suite 320, Alexandria, VA 22314. Sponsoring Agency: Special Education Programs (ED/OSERS), Washington, DC. (EDD00017) Publication Date: August 02, 1999 Language: English Pages: 59 Document Type: Collected works--Proceedings (021) Journal Announcement: RIEJAN2000 Abstract: This proceedings documents a meeting designed to allow state directors of special education to exchange information about the special education systems in Mexico and the United States, to discuss common issues and concerns related to the provision of educational services for children and youth with disabilities, and to establish collegial relationships with state directors in another country. The meeting was attended by state directors of special education from the Mexican border states of Baja California, Baja California Sur, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Sonora, and the U.S. border states of Arizona, California, Florida, New Mexico, and Texas. Presentations included an overview of special education in Mexico and the United States, special education professional associations in the United States, technical assistance to the states in the United States, and instructional consideration for Spanish-speaking students in Mexico and the United States. In addition, there were state presentations on characteristics and issues pertinent to education in the 11 participating states. Participants also discussed the following topics: charter schools, services in rural areas, working with indigenous populations and cultural/language differences, and transition from school to work. Appendices include a participant list and a meeting agenda. (CR) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Comparative Education; Cross Cultural Studies; *Cultural Differences; *Disabilities; Education Work Relationship; Elementary Secondary Education; Foreign Countries; *Rural Schools; Services; *Special Education Identifiers: *Mexico; *United States Contract Number: H159K70002 Geographic Source: U.S.; Virginia ED429416 EC307164 Charter Schools and Special Education: A Report on State Policies. Project FORUM Final Report, Deliverable #1-3.2. Author: Ahearn, Eileen M. Institutional Author: National Association of State Directors of Special Education, Alexandria, VA.(BBB30157) Availability: Project FORUM, National Association of State Directors of Special Education, 1800 Diagonal Road, Suite 320, Alexandria, VA 22314. Sponsoring Agency: Special Education Programs (ED/OSERS), Washington, DC. (EDD00017) Publication Date: March 1999 Language: English Pages: 35 Document Type: Reports--Research (143) Journal Announcement: RIESEP1999 Abstract: This report reviews state policy documents, other than state laws, that pertain to students with disabilities in charter schools. It includes background information on charter schools in general and relevant federal legislation, a report of a survey on state policy documents, and a discussion of four areas of critical issues related to this topic. The survey was conducted in the spring of 1998. It revealed that about half of the states reported having no written policy document relating to students with disabilities in charter schools. In addition, it is apparent that little, if any, thought was given to conflicts between charter school statues and existing special education requirements prior to the passage of any state's legislation allowing for the establishment of charter schools within the public education system. The major areas of policy identified and discussed are: (1) the meaning and implications of a charter school's status as a local education agency; (2) the monitoring of charter schools for compliance with special education requirements; (3) funding for students with disabilities in charter schools; and (4) the interface between special education requirements and charter school admission policies. This document also contains two appendices--a summary of existing state charter school regulations and a list of the state policy materials used in the study--and 13 references. (Author/CR) Descriptors: Admission Criteria; *Admission (School); *Charter Schools; *Disabilities; Educational Legislation; Elementary Secondary Education; Federal Legislation; Financial Support; National Surveys; Policy Formation; School Districts; *Special Education; *State Regulation; Student Rights; Supervision Contract Number: H159K70002 Geographic Source: U.S.; Virginia ED426515 EA029670 Charter Schools and Students with Disabilities: Review of Existing Data. Author: Fiore, Thomas A.; Warren, Sandra H.; Cashman, Erin R. Institutional Author: Research Triangle Inst., Research Triangle Park, NC.(BBB18445) Availability: Website: http://www.ed.gov Governmental Status: Federal Sponsoring Agency: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC. (EDD00036)@; National Inst. on Student Achievement, Curriculum, and Assessment (ED/OERI), Washington, DC. (EDD00100) Publication Date: February 1999 Report Number: SAI-1999-3002 Language: English Pages: 39 Document Type: Information Analysis (070) Journal Announcement: RIEJUN1999 Abstract: This paper summarizes existing research on policy-relevant analyses that have focused on charter schools and students with disabilities. The research was not reviewed in depth and study methodologies were not critiqued; the report mainly provides an indication of what more rigorous research may reveal. Nevertheless, findings show that charter schools do not exclude students with disabilities. Parents who send their disabled students to charter schools and other schools of choice believe that these schools are more effective at meeting individual student needs, at keeping parents informed, and at providing mainstreaming options. These parents are also dissatisfied with the bureaucracy in regular public schools and the stigma attached to special education. The findings also reveal no evidence suggesting that special education destabilizes school budgets. Other results indicate that charter schools vary tremendously in terms of key school characteristics, that students with disabilities attending charter schools are entitled to the same due-process protection as those attending other public schools, that districts and states may not be holding charter schools rigorously accountable for academic outcomes, and that relatively few charter-school operators have received training as education administrators. An annotated bibliography appears in an appendix. (Contains 24 references.) (RJM) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *Disabilities; Elementary Secondary Education; *Literature Reviews; Nontraditional Education; School Choice; *School Role Geographic Source: U.S.; District of Columbia ED426511 EA029622 Review of Charter School Legislation Provisions Related to Students with Disabilities. Author: Fiore, Thomas A.; Cashman, Erin R. Institutional Author: Research Triangle Inst., Research Triangle Park, NC. EDD00036Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC.(BBB18445) Availability: Internet: http://www.ed.gov Governmental Status: Federal Publication Date: January 1999 Report Number: SAI-98-3034 Language: English Pages: 74 Document Type: Legal/Legislative/Regulatory materials (090) Journal Announcement: RIEJUN1999 Abstract: A study examined ways that charter schools serve children with disabilities. This report provides the results of field-based data collection with parents, teachers, administrators, and students on how well charter schools are working with students with disabilities. It presents evidence on the reasons parents are enrolling students with disabilities in charter schools; the nature of services provided to these students, especially in contrast to the students' previous schools; outcome goals of charter schools; student-outcome measures charter schools employ; and the extent of students' success in the charter schools based on the schools' outcome goals, the states' accountability standards, and parents' outcome expectations. The text focuses on ways that state legislatures have directly addressed special education and students with disabilities, which should help with site selection for visits to a national sample of charter schools. The review also provides information useful for tailoring individual data-collection protocols prior to each school visit. The text looks at charter schools' independence from districts, their personnel decisions, their exemption from laws and regulations, their general funding, and their goals. Three appendices offer information on statutory provisions in all the states regarding school organization, exemptions, liability, funding, and other characteristics. (RJM) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; Disabilities; *Educational Legislation; Educational Needs; Elementary Secondary Education; *School Effectiveness; *State Legislation; State Regulation Geographic Source: U.S.; North Carolina ED407806 EC305566 Charter Schools and Special Education: A Handbook. Author: Lange, Cheryl M. Institutional Author: National Association of State Directors of Special Education, Alexandria, VA. Availability: Sponsoring Agency: Special Education Programs (ED/OSERS), Washington, DC. Publication Date: 1997-05-06 Copy Availibility: EDRS Price MF01/PC03 Plus Postage. Language: English Pages: 52 Document Type: Guides (055); Reports (141) Journal Announcement: RIEOCT1997 Abstract: This handbook (prepared to assist charter school operators, state department of education personnel, and policymakers) reviews special education case law and legislation as well as pertinent issues that can guide charter school personnel, host or sponsoring districts, and state agency personnel in the implementation of special education in charter schools. An introduction describes the development of charter schools, the school choice movement, and the role of special education in charter schools. Following this overview, a brief history of special education is provided. The legal requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are reviewed in a question and answer format. In the same format, issues are presented that charter schools should consider in the implementation of special education, including identification of students with special education needs; responsibility for serving students with disabilities; steps charter schools must take to ensure service are provided to students with low-incidence disabilities; funding services, transportation needs, personnel certification and waivers; and requirements for individualized education programs. A final section provides recommendations for charter school personnel in providing special education services and recommendations for state agency personnel in providing information and support to charter schools. Appendices include a list of additional sources of information and a glossary of terms. (CR) Descriptors: *Charter Schools; *Disabilities; Disability Identification; Educational Legislation; Elementary Secondary Education; Federal Legislation; Federal Regulation; Information Sources; *Program Implementation; *School Responsibility; Services; *Special Education; Student Evaluation Identifiers: *Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Part B; Rehabilitation Act 1973 (Section 504) Level: 1 Target Audience: Policymakers; Practitioners Contract Number: HS92015001 Geographic Source: U.S.; Virginia ED407746 EC305190 The Treatment of Special Education in Charter School Legislation. Institutional Author: National Association of State Boards of Education, Alexandria, VA. Availability: National Association of State Boards of Education, Policy Information Clearinghouse, 1012 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314; telephone: 703-684-4000. Journal Citation: Policy Update v4 n13 Sep 1996 Publication Date: 1996-09-00 Copy Availibility: EDRS Price MF01/PC01 Plus Postage. Language: English Pages: 6 Document Type: Collected Works (022); Reports (142) Journal Announcement: RIEOCT1997 Abstract: This policy brief reports on an analysis of the legislation establishing charter schools in the 19 states that had such legislation as of December 1995. It identifies provisions in the state legislation which specify anti-discrimination policies and clauses, the inclusion of students at risk or students with disabilities, fiscal provisions, personnel requirements, and transportation needs. It identifies three issues for policymakers to consider when reviewing or adopting charter school legislation: (1) whether the rights of students with disabilities are protected under the charter school legislation; (2) whether the charter school legislation has the effect of discriminating against students with disabilities; and (3) whether the programmatic needs of students with disabilities are adequately considered. The policy brief distinguishes between strong charter legislation which provides the greatest autonomy for the charter school and weak legislation which limits the schools' flexibility and retains greater authority in the local school boards. It concludes that states with strong charter legislation (such as Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, and Texas) are more likely to have legislation which addresses the needs of students with disabilities in their legislation than states with weak charter school legislation (such as Alaska, Arkansas, and Georgia). A chart compares the legislation in the 19 states with reference to students with special needs. (DB) Descriptors: Access to Education; *Charter Schools; *Disabilities; Disability Discrimination; *Educational Legislation; Elementary Secondary Education; Equal Education; School Districts; *Special Education; *State Legislation; Student Rights Level: 1 Geographic Source: U.S.; Virginia ED401696 EC305189 Charter Schools and Students with Disabilities. Issue Brief. Author: McLaughlin, Margaret J.; And Others Institutional Author: Center for Policy Research on the Impact of General and Special Education Reform, Alexandria, VA. Availability: Center for Policy Research, 1012 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; 800-220-5183 ($7.50 plus $2 shipping and handling). Sponsoring Agency: Special Education Programs (ED/OSERS), Washington, DC. Publication Date: 1996-09-00 Copy Availibility: EDRS Price MF01/PC01 Plus Postage. Language: English Pages: 15 Document Type: Reports (141) Journal Announcement: RIEAPR1997 Abstract: This report analyzes how charter schools handle the education of students with disabilities, with a focus on charter schools in Colorado. It first defines charter schools and notes ambiguities in the legal responsibilities of charter schools and/or their host school districts regarding students with disabilities. The Colorado information is based on a survey of 19 of the state's 24 operating charter schools, reviews of the contracts between 10 charter schools and their sponsoring districts, interviews with key state administrators and charter school advocates, and site visits and interviews in four charter schools representing three school districts. The report provides an analysis of issues concerning: (1) curriculum and instruction; (2) charter schools' fiscal constraints; (3) charter school management; (4) the importance of community and parent involvement; (5) services for students with disabilities; and (6) fiscal and programmatic support for special education. The report raises several concerns about the inclusion of students with disabilities in charter schools. These are: student access to charter schools; funding; and familiarity of charter school personnel with special education law and requirements. The report also raises the question of whether charter schools differ substantially from public schools in their provision of special education services. (Contains 44 references.) (DB) Descriptors: Access to Education; *Charter Schools; Compliance (Legal); Delivery Systems; *Disabilities; Educational Finance; Educational Policy; *Educational Practices; Elementary Secondary Education; *Legal Responsibility; Regular and Special Education Relationship; School Funds; School Policy; *School Responsibility; *Special Education; Student Participation Identifiers: *Colorado Level: 1 Contract Number: H023H40002 Geographic Source: U.S.; Virginia |