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Research learning communities (RLCs) are an increasingly popular form of collaborative professional development that takes participants into deep engagement with research evidence and empowers them to become researchers themselves. This study describes the use of the RLC model to make research about autism and school system change accessible to teachers in primary schools. An interdisciplinary team of specialists guided teams made up of a school leader and a class teacher through structured engagement with recent, high quality research. Participants devised and trialled evidence-informed interventions that supported pupils with autism and facilitated the improvement of whole school policy and practice on special education and disability (SEND). The RLC allowed them space to share their experiences with other teachers in a process of mutual reflection and learning. Evaluation showed that participants gained confidence in leading change and made effective use of research to develop SEND school policy and practice.

Background: The UK government set up a review of provision for children and young people with the full range of speech, language and communication needs led by a Member of Parliament, John Bercow. A research study was commissioned to provide empirical evidence to inform the Bercow Review. Aims: To examine the efficiency and effectiveness of different arrangements for organizing and providing services for children and young people with needs associated with primary speech, language and communication difficulties. Methods & Procedures: Six Local Authorities in England and associated Primary Care Trusts were selected to represent a range of locations reflecting geographic spread, urban/rural and prevalence of children with speech, language and communication difficulties. In each case study, interviews were held with the senior Local Authority manager for special educational needs and a Primary Care Trust senior manager for speech and language therapy. A further 23 head teachers or heads of specialist provision for speech, language and communication difficulties were also interviewed and policy documents were examined. Outcomes & Results: A thematic analysis of the interviews produced four main themes: identification of children and young people with speech, language and communication difficulties; meeting their needs; monitoring and evaluation; and research and evaluation. There were important differences between Local Authorities and Primary Care Trusts in the collection, analysis and use of data, in particular. There were also differences between Local Authority/Primary Care Trust pairs, especially in the degree to which they collaborated in developing policy and implementing practice. Conclusions & Implications: This study has demonstrated a lack of consistency across Local Authorities and Primary Care Trusts. Optimizing provision to meet the needs of children and young people with speech, language and communication difficulties will require concerted action, with leadership from central government. The study was used by the Bercow Review whose recommendations have been addressed by central government and a funded action plan has been implemented as a result. (Contains 3 tables and 4 notes.)

Case-study phase of a national study into provision of services to children with speech and language needs. Finds extensive recognition of the need for collaboration between local education authorities (LEAs) and speech and language therapy (SLT) providers, but wide variation in practices across England and Wales. At the strategic level, various factors appear to facilitate joint planning. (Contains 20 references.) (Authors/PKP)

This article reports the outcomes of British government-funded research into the provision of speech and language therapy services and identifies 13 key themes that emerge from a review of these findings. Recommendations are made, many of which focus on the need for enhanced collaboration at a range of levels. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Describes the revision of the National Curriculum in England and discusses the potential of the revised curriculum for raising the achievement of ethnic minority students. The curriculum demonstrates a clear commitment to the education of minorities and includes provisions for citizenship and health education. (SLD)

Describes a framework for teaching British National Curriculum subjects to pupils with profound learning difficulties. Discussion focuses on curriculum adaptations, educational rationale for subject selection, insights from subject specialists, and integration of therapies, health care, and emotional support within education. (DB)

This article explores how England's National Curriculum history might be taught to pupils with severe learning difficulties (SLD). The article suggests one possible conceptual framework for the teaching of history, examines some tensions inherent in attempting to teach history to SLD pupils, and describes two examples of good practice in this area. (JDD)

This article considers issues concerning assessment of students with special needs at Key Stages 1 and 3 of the British National Curriculum. These include timing and administration of assessments, teacher training, special adaptations to the assessments, special arrangements, recording and reporting, and exceptions. (DB)

This commentary discusses publication of QCA guidelines on developing the curriculum for pupils with learning difficulties. It links the guidelines to the recent review of the National Curriculum and identifies some of the contributions these guidelines can make to planning, teaching, and assessment. Challenges for practice and research are explored. (Contains three references.) (Author/CR)