Special Education in School System Decentralization. Report of a Conference.

Overview & Synopsis

Presented are five papers and reactions of panel members from the 1973 conference on special education and decentralization sponsored by the Council of Great City Schools, Committee on the Education of Exceptional Children. R. Nystrand provides an overview of decentralization theory and process and suggests that reasons for the development of decentralization include a general distrust of professionals and the political and social aspirations of minority group members. Results of two studies are reported: the effects of decentralization on special education in two large urban school districts (E. Avery et al), and a survey of decentralization and special education in the Great City schools (N. Nash). M. Gittell focuses on the decision making process to distinguish political and administrative decentralization, and describes the impact of the process on such special education issues as mainstreaming and the right to education mandates. Discussed by M. Shedd are strategies and considerations involved in decentralizing the administration of special education in large city public schools. A conference summary is offered by E. Willenberg. Included in three appendixes is information about decentralized and centralized school systems in such cities as Atlanta, Detroit, and Cleveland. (CL)