SD3 - Special Education in Virginia's Training Centers for the Mentally Retarded

  • Published: 1985
  • Author: Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission
  • Enabling Authority: Senate Joint Resolution 13 (Regular Session, 1983)

Executive Summary:
Senate Joint Resolution 13 of the 1983 General Assembly directed the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC), in coordination with an eight-member subcommittee, to examine eight issues "concerned with the operation, funding and quality of the educational programs" for children and youth in facilities operated by the Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation:

• the quality of instruction and materials,
• the uniformity of the offered services,
• the suitability of the educational environment,
• the eligibility of students for mainstreaming,
• the appropriateness of the administrative authority,
• the appropriateness of the funding mechanism,
• the cost-effectiveness of the programs, and
• whether all children are receiving education as required by law.

To respond to SJR 13, JLARC staff conducted two parallel research efforts. This report, "Special Education in Virginia's Mental Retardation Training Centers," is a companion volume to "Special Education in Virginia's Mental Health Facilities."

The report concludes that the quality of training in mental retardation training centers has improved significantly over the past ten years. The report urges, however, that additional steps be taken to ensure compliance with federal regulations concerning education in the least restrictive environment possible.

Education for the emotionally-disturbed in mental health hospitals has also improved over the past eight years, but several problems still effect overall quality. Among principal changes suggested are those which would (1) enhance administrative support for the education, (2) equalize resources and funding, (3) address the special needs of young adults, (4) enhance the quality of vocational education, (5) consolidate programs for autistic students, and (6) increase utilization of the Virginia Treatment Center.

Following staff reports to the Commission on June 11, September 10, and September 11, 1984, which included tours of two facilities, the reports were authorized for printing and referred to the subcommittee for further consideration.