What advice do paraeducators offer regarding the work they do in inclusive classrooms? What barriers and benefits do paraeducators face? In this study, over 200 paraeducators from 38 different states in the USA volunteered to respond to a national survey. Their responses were corroborated in follow-up interviews with 27 different paraeducators at…

The authors share the results of an ongoing study of the changing roles that paraeducators may face when they work in inclusive classrooms. The results of the study may fill an identified research gap regarding what para-educators in inclusive classrooms actually do (given that only 7 studies published between 1999-2006). The results of the pilot…

The authors share the results of a national study of the changing roles of paraeducators who work in inclusive classrooms. The purpose of the study was to add to the research with respect to paraeducators' voices, given that so few studies have been published between 1996-2006 of paraeducators in inclusive classrooms. In addition, the results of…

The role of regular elementary class teachers in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for mainstreamed special education students was examined in a three phase study (student records review, teacher survey, and followup interview). The approach, based on role theory, examined the statistical independence of ratings according to…

The purpose of this study is to discover Florida International University student teachers' perceptions and experiences about inclusive education during their student teaching internship. A total of 271 student teachers (all those enrolled in Spring 06 and Fall 06 student teaching) participated. A mixed methods design was utilized to analyze the…

In their call for proposals for this themed issue, the editors maintain that higher education institutions should graduate future P-12 teachers who think globally, have international experience, demonstrate foreign language competence, and are able to incorporate a global dimension into their teaching. In contrast, the authors argue that future…

The article describes a successful consultative approach based on the use of heterogeneous cooperative learning groups with special students in the regular secondary classroom. Significant improvement in classroom behaviors, social attitudes, and math achievement was noted. (CL)

The major hypothesis of the paper is that as mainstream education broadens its tolerance for individual differences and as mainstream educators gain in the skill and knowledge to individualize instruction, few if any students need to be referred for services delivered outside the general education system. The paper organizes reports from "state of…

A three phase study was conducted on the role of regular classroom teachers in implementing individualized education programs (IEPs) for mainstreamed special education students. IEPs in 20 elementary sites were reviewed in phase 1, 59 elementary teachers were surveyed in phase 2, and 16 of those surveyed participated in interviews in phase 3. Five…

Interviewed adults with disabilities regarding their experiences with education. Results indicated that respondents had successfully achieved self-regulation, self-determination, and conscientization. For some, this was despite the educational systems they had encountered, and for others, this was a result of their experiences with various…

Based on an extensive literature search, this paper identifies key actions school administrators may take regarding systems that limit or avoid student referrals for special education services. Findings indicate that referrals may be limited by early intervention strategies and overall improvement of the mainstream educational system. Includes 93…

The research review of practices for limiting or avoiding referrals of students for special education services identified promising practices, including curricular and ecological adaptations that strengthen the mainstream, teacher development and administrative strategies, and early intervention strategies. Research, training, and policy…

This response to EC 604 968 seeks to provide a broader perspective to discussion of the least restrictive environment and contemporary practices and to link the ethics and practices of collaborative processes in special education to the issues and strategies for facilitating school reform in general. (JDD)