Evaluation of mainstream tutorial modules which were designed to help 18 teachers and administrators individualize instruction for mainstreamed handicapped learners pointed out problems and benefits of the system. Teachers were found to require assistance from administrators and specialists in areas of scheduling, materials, preparation time, and…

The article presents an empirical orientation for defining the least restrictive environment (LRE) for children with severe handicaps. The focus is on empirical analysis of both individual placement outcomes and general programmatic arrangements. (Author)

Described is the role of the Center for Innovation in Teaching the Handicapped (CITH) in Project PRIME (Programmed Reentry into Mainstream Education), which attempted to assess the efficacy of mainstreaming for 1,035 emotionally disturbed, educable mentally retarded, and language/learning disabled Texas pupils in grades 3-5. The behavior…

The paper reviews selected research findings relative to the social acceptance/rejection and self-concept of handicapped students in regular classroom environments. Studies are limited to those involving educable mentally retarded, learning disabled, or behaviorally disordered children. (SBH)

A survey of the perceptions and opinions of 381 special and regular educators found that pullout programs are favored over Regular Education Initiative implementation for elementary students with mild disabilities. Survey data were analyzed into 14 categories such as teachers' responsibility and ownership, teacher preparedness for meeting student…

This article provides information on the legal principles of due process and least restrictive alternatives, cites pertinent litigation involving these principles in education, and discusses some important educational implications of Public Law 94-142. (MB)

The authors review the legislative antecedents of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, 1975 (PL 94-142), an overview of the purpose and intent of Congress in enacting the legislation, and discuss some long-range implications for society. (MB)

The report summarizies findings of a study of least restrictive environment (LRE) for handicapped students. Reviews are presented of the legal and legislative background of LRE, the conceptual background of research on environments, the concept of environment in special education, and the results and methodological issues in efficacy research.…

Programs implementing the Regular Education Initiative (REI) are criticized for their relatively simplistic approaches to the instructional problems created by learner diversity. Such programs as "Success for All" and teacher consultation programs do not adequately consider what happens to those students and teachers who do not succeed under the…

This study investigated the peer acceptance of integrated students with disabilities as a function of severity of disability and amount of overall student variance in the class. The study involved 14 classrooms and 285 students. Of the 44 students with disabilities, 30 had been classified as mildly disabled and 14 as severely disabled. A…

Over 100 resource rooms, mainstreamed classes, and special day classes for learning handicapped students were observed in a longitudinal study of Micro-Educational Environments (MEEs) and microcomputer use. Results from 1986 and changes from 1984 to 1986 cover hardware selection and location; student grouping; software; access; use time; and user,…

The paper addresses issues concerning the future of special education with a focus on the mildly handicapped (MH). After an initial section presenting the particular frame of reference and philosophical biases underlying this presentation, recommendations are made for a possible agenda which addresses seven key areas in the field. Among…

Describes a study which compared the performance of learning handicapped and nonhandicapped boys in grades four, five, and six working in like pairs, mixed pairs, and individually at the computer on a mathematics problem-solving task. It was found that the boys worked as effectively in pairs as they did individually. (LRW)

Examined special education effectiveness for students with mild disabilities in six California grade schools. Found that no single feature, structure, or organization of school environment consistently indicated a school's relative standing or its relative effectiveness based on student performance. Findings posed implications for educational…