Book Description

The document contains summaries of papers and ensuing discussions presented at a 1985 symposium on exceptional American Indian children and youth. The opening address (by Beverly Valley, a parent and school board member) stresses the role of parents and the need for less culturally biased testing. Two papers deal with parent and family involvement: "Parent Involvement Considerations" (Roger Kroth); "American Indian Parents of Handicapped Children" (Marilyn Johnson). Two papers look at language and curriculum development: "The Influence of Locus of Control and Culture on Learning Styles of Language Minority Students" (Alba Ortiz) and "Language and Curriculum Development for American Indian Handicapped Children" (Jacqueline Walker). Personnel preparation is the subject of two papers: "Bilingual Special Education Teacher Training for American Indians" (Leonard Baca) and "American Indian Personnel Preparation in Special Education" (Anna Gajar). The final paper "Federal Policy and the Education of American Indian Exceptional Children and Youth: Current Status and Future Directions" (Bruce Ramirez) is included in its entirety. It contains data on the number of American Indian exceptional children presently being served, reviews pertinent federal policy, and identifies areas requiring further attention. (DB)