Issues in the Implementation of Extended School Year Programs for Handicapped Students

Abstract

For some severely and profoundly handicapped children who have a regression-recoupment disability, the lengthy interruption in school programing during the summer months poses serious obstacles to learning. As a result of court decisions in Armstrong v. Kline and Battle v. Commonwealth, the public schools now have an obligation to identify these children and to provide programs suited to their needs. School personnel are urged to take the initiative in developing quality extended school year programs that accommodate the need for clear eligibility criteria based on valid and reliable student performance data, reducing the number of students in need through effective instruction and parent/home involvement; exploring the use of alternative service models; identifying funding mechanisms for extended year programs; and operating programs cost effectively.