Confrontation: Special Education Placement and the Law

Abstract

Recently, suits have been brought against public schools for placing certain children in special classes for the educable mentally retarded. Through the courts parents are challenging the administration and use of standardized tests, placement procedures, and the effectiveness and the harmful impact of special class programing. Special educators are urged to initiate immediate reform in testing and placement procedures or there is a likelihood that changes will be imposed by the courts. The possibility of punitive damages may stimulate these changes.