PLACES OF CHANGE - SPECIAL EDUCATIONS POWER AND IDENTITY IN AN ERA OFEDUCATIONAL-REFORM

Special education is in danger of disintegration due to (a) justified criticisms of implementational failures, and (b) unjustified criticism s from reformers and detractors, mostly having to do with its conceptu alization and the separate placement of some students with disabilitie s. Needed reforms in special education include (a) constructing defens ible rival philosophies, (b) improving the preparation and support of special education teachers, and (c) putting educational methods on a s ound scientific footing.