Generalizing
Skills of Children with Disabilities
by
Herbert D. Hinkle, Esq. and S. Paul Prior, Esq.
Herbert D. Hinkle
Law Office
2651 Main Street
Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648
(609) 896-4200 or (215) 860-2100
An important issue
in special education is the concept of generalization. Basically,
generalization means the student’s ability to apply what is
learned in one setting to another.
Courts have determined
that in order to receive an appropriate education under the IDEA,
a child must make meaningful educational progress. One measure
of such progress is the ability to generalize. In other words,
if a child cannot apply what is learned in school, what has been accomplished?
A case handled
by this office illustrates this point. M.P. was a young child
with autism. M.P. attended a special education class operated
by his local school district. His classroom teacher was very skilled
in educating children with autism, and M.P. demonstrated good progress
in class. However, outside of school, his behavior and attending
skills were deteriorating. The IEP called for a home program
to promote generalization, but for the most part, this was not implemented.
The hearing officer
found that although the classroom program was good, the district ignored
home programming to the point where intensive services were now required.
The hearing officer also observed that the district failed to act
despite numerous requests for help from the parents. Accordingly,
the hearing officer ruled that M.P. was denied an appropriate education
and ordered the district to hire an agency chosen by the parents to
design and implement a home-based program. Initially, the program
operated 15 hours a week and then was gradually reduced as M.P. progressed.
Issues of generalization
can be very important and can take many forms, particularly with regard
to securing residential placement and transition planning for an older
student. In those cases it is critical to generalize skills
and prepare the student to work, live, and function more independently
in the community.
Copyright 2002
H.D. Hinkle. All rights reserved.
Mr. Hinkle maintains
a multi-state law practice with offices in Lawrenceville, Florham
Park, and Marlton, NJ, and Yardley, Pa. Mr. Hinkle and his colleagues
Ira Fingles, and Paul Prior lecture and write frequently on topics
of law, aging, and disability, and are available
to speak to groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania
at no charge. Call (609) 896-4200.
