Children's Rights in Assessment and School Placement

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Abstract
Litigation and legislation have redefined the role of the school relative to placement of children and the educational services provided them. The focus of this review is on three previously disenfranchised groups, the young, the handicapped, and the culturally different. Court cases as well as state and federal legislation which were instrumental in changing the decision‐making role of the schools are reviewed. Developments in children's rights relative to education are considered under three major issues: the right to education, including the right to appropriate education; nondiscriminatory testing and evaluation; and procedural protections. Implications of recent federal legislation, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 (PL94–142), are outlined. The authors note that while PL94–142 is comprehensive, the manner of implementation is uncertain. The complexity of children's rights in assessment and placement is emphasized.