Two naturalistic observation experiments were conducted to ascertain the extent to which mainstream teachers spent differing amounts of time with students labeled as learning disabled and with nonlabeled students. Results of both experiments showed that teachers do not spend significantly more time assisting students labeled as learning disabled.…

Examined are teacher education priorities of a program whose goal was to have first grade teachers feel confident enough to retain learning disabled children in their regular public school classes. (GW)

This article reports the progress of 13 learning-disabled students after 1 year of planning and 1 year of implementing the "Mainstream Experiences for the Learning Disabled" (MELD) model in an urban elementary school. Students made no significant progress in reading or math and earned lower grades during the implementation year. (DB)

Overidentification of learning disabilities may be caused by applying a model of disability which does not allow for classroom accomodation. A minority model of disability with classroom modification and accommodation to differences in students who fail to meet behavior and achievement standards is proposed. (Author/DB)

Results indicated that cooperative learning experiences, compared with competitive and individualistic ones, promoted more interpersonal attraction between 12 learning disabled and behavior problem fourth graders and 47 nonhandicapped peers and promoted higher self-esteem for all students. Cooperation promoted greater perspective-taking ability…

Analysis of the sociometric ratings and status of 50 elementary school students with learning disabilities and 50 nonhandicapped elementary school students (in matched pairs) indicated that the pairs did not differ significantly in assigned status to their peers but did differ significantly in acceptance and rejection received from their shared…

The study assessed elementary students' (N=680) preferences concerning special instruction for learning difficulties. Results of student interviews indicated children's preferences for in-class and pull-out services were affected by the service delivery model they experienced though most children preferred to receive additional help from their…

A study examined data from annual reports to Congress regarding placement practices for students with learning disabilities over the past six years. Results found that students with learning disabilities are being educated in increasingly less restrictive settings, although placement practices differ considerably from state to state. (Author/CR)

Two studies compared effects of different levels of cooperation (cooperative controversy, cooperative debate, individualistic; and intergroup cooperation vs intergroup competition) on cross-handicap interaction among 123 intermediate grade students (normal or learning/behavior disordered). Pure cooperation promoted more frequent cross-handicap…

Low socially accepted learning-disabled intermediate-grade students (N=86) were paired with 86 high socially accepted, nonhandicapped classmates for 8 weeks in 4 groups: mutual interest group, cooperative academic task group, Hawthorne effect/control group, and classroom control group. Evaluated were changes in classmates' ratings of…

Examination of data from the "Annual Reports to Congress on the Implementation of Public Law 94-142" from 1979 through 1989 revealed that the placement rate for students with learning disabilities being educated in restrictive, separate class settings almost doubled. The proportion of all students with learning disabilities served in…

Two experiments were conducted with a total of 30 learning disabled third grade children to examine the effects of tutoring location and teacher supervision on the efficacy of cross-age tutoring for LD children. (Author/DB)

Investigated with 258 regular or special education teachers was the effect on teacher expectations of describing mildly handicapped children in terms of labeled (learning disabled, retarded, or emotionally disturbed) behavioral descriptions or of non-labeled behavioral descriptions. (MH)

A case study is presented of an elementary school preparing to implement a full-time mainstreaming program for students with learning disabilities. Based on observations, interviews, and surveys of students, parents, and teachers, it is concluded that fundamental changes in instruction are necessary for the regular education initiative to work.…

The effect of two special education resource models (teacher consultant model and resource room model) on student achievement and on teacher and student behavior was contrasted, using 480 learning disabled and educable mentally handicapped children (mean age of eight years and four months). (BD)