Widening the debate on educational reform: prevention as a viable alternative

Current debate on educational reform and on delivery of special education services has neglected the area of prevention. In a highly stressed service delivery system, preventive services demand consideration as a viable alternative to current service delivery models. While not replacing remedial programs, prevention would greatly expand the scope of services offered and lower stress on remedial programs. In turn, remedial programs could address children with more extreme needs instead of being the only alternative available to regular classroom placement.