PL 94-142 and New Mexico: Perceived impact on programs for rural students with severe handicaps

Two postcard survey studies were conducted to determine perceptions of administrators and teachers regarding the impact of PL 94-142 on programs for students with severe handicaps in New Mexico's small (average daily attendance <1000), rural school districts. A preliminary survey indicated that immediately after implementation (academic year 1984-85), improvement was projected by both groups of respondents for 100% of the program/classroom considerations. Participants in a follow-up survey responded to the same Likert-scale items one year after implementation (1985-86). With one exception (“classroom materials and supplies”), the original five considerations achieved less than projected status. The highest and lowest total mean ratings in the follow-up were achieved for “student referral and identification” and “new services.” These two areas were not addressed in the preliminary survey. One year after the infusion of federal funding, 55% of the respondents perceived no improvement in the level of services.