A Legislative Perspective on the School Nurse and Education for Children with Disabilities in New Jersey

The New Jersey Dept. of Education has proposed a new direction for interpreting the "Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975" (Public Law 94-142). If implemented, a new and broader scope of addressing learning and/or behavior and health problems for the school-aged child will be provided. In this article, the special education process in New Jersey is analyzed, reflecting on political, economic, and social movements that affected past and present legislation. The effects of the new proposal on students, families, school personnel, and community resources are emphasized. Role implications for the school nurse in formulating, interpreting, and managing the child with disability in school are provided.