The paper points out the inappropriateness of the typical bottom-up or norm-referenced curricula offered to severely handicapped adolescents and young adults. As an alternative, it is proposed that curricula for this population teach chronological-age-appropriate functional skills in natural environments. Functional skills, natural environments, and chronological-age-appropriate skills are defined in this context. A six-phase curriculum-development strategy is constructed based on these concepts. The paper concludes by discussing the implications of this strategy for traditional curricular content and service delivery for severely handicapped adolescent and young adult students.

The present study addresses the impact that placement and service models have had on nondisabled high school student attitudes. Negative attitudes have been a frequently identified barrier to participation, interactions and acceptance. 1413 typical students from two high schools, one inclusive and one traditional self-contained, were surveyed regarding their attitudes toward peers with disabilities and their recommendations for inclusive education. Results suggest that experiences in school significantly impact students' recommendations about the implementation of inclusive education.

Parental support for educational innovation has been described as essential in school change. This study examines parent and caregiver perceptions of educational opportunities for students with severe disabilities. Parents and caregivers from two high schools were interviewed. One high school uses an inclusive service delivery model, while the other uses a special day class model with limited mainstreaming. The data suggest that interviewees support inclusive schools and believe that their children are acquiring new skills. Questions remain regarding the balance of community-based Instruction and the amount of teacher training provided.

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