A Study Of The Special Education Programs Of Ballard Community School District

Abstract

The problem. This study traced the development of the special education programs of Ballard Community School District. It provided a historical perspective of how and why the special needs services of the district have been developed and expanded. Procedure. Interviews were conducted with personnel who have worked with the past and present special education programs of the Ballard Community School District. School board minutes were also studied to provide information about the programs. Conclusions. Increased concern for the education of the handicapped and the availability of funds for special education programs have resulted in the establishment and growth of the special education programs of the Ballard Community School District. Public Law 94-142 was instrumental in providing funds which enabled Ballard to expand its special education programs. Although Ballard's administrators have utilized available funds to expand and develop special education programs for the Ballard Community School District, there are no programs in operation within the district that provide help for students for more than two class periods each day. Recommendations. Ballard's administrative staff needs to evaluate its special education programs on a continual basis. Serious consideration needs to be given to the establishment of special education programs with integration at both the elementary and secondary levels. In-service programs need to be established and maintained to acquaint Ballard's educational staff with the operation of the special education proqrams of the district.