PROBLEMS STEMMING FROM EDUCATION OF HANDICAPPED ACT P.L. 94-142

WHEREAS, the general intent of the Education of the Handicapped Act (PL 93-380; revisions PL 94-142) was supported by the American Federation of Teachers; and

WHEREAS, the implementation of this act may erode conditions of employment; and

WHEREAS, inadequate funding and administrative decisions in implementing the act are impairing the fulfillment of the expectations of this act:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers encourage and assist local bargaining teams to negotiate contractual safeguards for conditions of employment, such as:

• class size reductions when special education pupils are mainstreamed,

• limit on number of special education pupils to be included in any specific class,

• teacher receiving mainstreamed pupil to receive advance notice and to be included in development of IEP (individual educational program),

• inservice training and consultative assistance,

• flexibility in work day schedule to provide time for contacts with consultants and parents and parti­cipation in lEP's,

• extra compensation for time required beyond regular school day; and

RESOLVED, that AFT and the state federations lobby for changes in the regulations and for legislation to accomplish such things as:

• rights for teachers and other school employees in the due process hearings on parental appeals,

• modification of the requirements for annual, measurable, instructional objective,

• funding for inservice training and consultative services,

• funding of total added costs by state and federal appropriations; and

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers appoint a special committee to give assistance to locals and members.