Persistent problems in meeting the intent of Public Law 94-142 (and it
s reauthorization legislation) are caused by the failure of federal an
d state leaders to collaborate beyond the boundaries of current polici
es to develop new approaches to meeting the learning needs of students
with disabilities. Much of the hindrance derives from problems with c
urrent referral-to-placement procedures. This article proposes a way t
o escape from the quagmire of laws, regulations, and policies that mak
e special education costly rather than free and that inhibit teachers
from developing appropriate educational strategies.