M. Kaufman et al., A FEDERAL PERSPECTIVE ON IMPROVING PRACTICES, PROGRAMS, AND POLICIES IN SPECIAL-EDUCATION, Evaluation and program planning, 16(3), 1993, pp. 263-269
Over the last 17 years, the federal legislative programs1 for assuring
all individuals with disabilities a free appropriate education have p
rovided a unique context for experimenting, observing, and interpretin
g approaches to educational innovation and improvement. The dramatic g
ains in access in equal educational opportunities, innovative advancem
ents in practice, and improved service delivery have been supported by
a wide range of federal strategies. These strategies have included su
pport for research, policy evaluation, model demonstrations, clearing-
houses, technical assistance, outreach, and system change. Cumulativel
y, these activities have produced a professional knowledge base on imp
roving the education and outcomes for individuals with disabilities an
d supporting professionals to access and use professional knowledge as
a mean for achieving better outcomes for children with disabilities.