Dear Judy & Comparative SPED Network,

     Judy - can you forward the information on the article you cited related 
to constructivism. KUDOS on your responses re: terminology and the situation 
in the USA.  Its quite complex and you did a great job with your 
explanations.  I support the perspective you put forward re: moving away from 
defict labels and categorially based funding, as do most of my colleagues in 
special education.  New York State is changing its teacher education 
certification for special educators( generic certification) once again. In 
the movement to pepare teches to work in inclusive schools, we will now 
require that all teachers  certified in special education are also certified 
in a general education area. Special education teachers can then only work 
with children in those areas that they have a general education certificate 
(early childhood, elementary, secondary subject area). There will be 
speciality certifications  in the areas of blind/visual impairments & deaf/ 
hard of hearing.  Hopefully, this will help move us away from 
categorizations. 

    For those of you from outside the USA, it might be helpful  to think 
about our States as somewhat autonomous territories when it comes to setting 
educational policy. The Federal Gov't sets the framework through legislation 
and regulations.  Whatever the 50 States do, they  can't violate the Federal 
Constitution re. human rights and equal access. Legislation enacted at a 
Federal  level, likewise cannot interfer  with the rights of States to govern 
and develop their education systems. Its what we call a system of "checks and 
balances."  It is  a sometimes cumbersome process that  makes  change  a long 
and tedious process.  But, I believe, that's what is required in  a 
democractic system. 

 Judy Kugelmass


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