August 21, 1985

The American Federation of Teachers plans to get more directly involved in the "professionalization" of the teacher corps.

I wish to make several points regarding public-private relationships in addressing the needs of the handicapped, which include considerations not addressed in Lynne Glassman's Commentary, "The 'Paradox' of a Growing Federal Role in Private Education" (Education Week, May 1, 1985).

First, for many decades before P.L. 94-142, private special-education programs were the major source for developing both the social morality and economic rationality of investing in better futures for those with special needs.