Internationally, there is a growing trend towards the inclusion of autistic pupils within mainstream schools. However, concerns have been expressed regarding this policy roll-out preceding empirical evidence demonstrating effective outcomes for autistic students. Concerns have also been expressed regarding the absence of the voices of autistic…

Decision-making is fundamental to everyday modern life (Porter, Creed, Hood, & Ching, 2018; Ranyard & Crozier, 2002). Some decisions require little thought, while others are more complex as options considered do not always lead to clear outcomes (Baron, 2008). Caregivers of children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) are frequently…

The notion of the continuum is applied to special education in diverse contexts across many nations. This article explores its conceptual underpinnings, drawing on a systematic search of the literature to review recurring ideas associated with the notion and to explicate both its uses and shortcomings. Through a thematic analysis of the…

Dissatisfaction with student success has caused a crisis in developmental education. Critics from both inside and outside the field question whether remedial courses really prepare students for future college work or even if they are properly part of the college mission. In this article, we review research and present information that suggests…

This article, by Jackie Lambe, lecturer in education, and Robert Bones, lecturer in psychology, both from the University of Ulster, provides a useful review of the current state of policy, practice and teacher education relating to pupils with special educational needs in Northern Ireland. The authors use this review to launch their account of…

A review cites 16 studies (1976-82) on placement of trainable (moderately) mentally retarded children in preschool, elementary, and secondary levels. Among conclusions drawn are that TMR integration is more frequent at preschool elementary than at secondary levels, and that it is largely restricted to less structured settings. (CL)

The paper reviews the rationale for integration in physical activity. Research is cited on benefits expected to accrue in the areas of motor performance, social interactions, attitudes of others toward the handicapped, and improved self-concept of the handicapped. (Author/CL)

Court rulings forming the basis for the principle of least restrictive environment for exceptional students are reviewed. The principle is seen to require a continuum of educational alternatives. Implications of state and federal legislation (P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act) are discussed for severely handicapped…

Five historical stages are identified in analysis of placement efficacy for mildly retarded students: (1) birth of the efficacy question, (2) tremendous growth in special classes, (3) move to abolish such classes, (4) search for alternatives along the continuum of services, and (5) recent re-analysis of appropriate placements. Research is…

The article traces the history of mass segregation of handicapped students in U.S. public schools, notes the advent of the concepts of mainstreaming and least restrictive environment, and analyzes such ramifications of mainstreaming as increased numbers of handicapped students in college and re-emergence of "tracking" or ability grouping. (CL)

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)

The paper reviews recent major policy and legal changes in the United States concerning programs for handicapped students, with emphasis on the "least restrictive environment" principle. A set of ten "clusters of capability" is proposed to define some of the new or enlarged areas of responsibility of regular teachers. (Author)

The article clarifies what is meant by the "least restrictive environment" as mandated by P.L. 94-142 (the Education for All Handicapped Children Act), particularly as it relates to hearing impaired children. (SBH)

While the regular education initiative (also called regular education/special education initiative) has merit, the powerful complexities and dimensions inherent in the changes that are called for must be acknowledged. Excerpts from statements by teacher educators, Education Department officials, researchers, and national associations reflect the…

The article reviews trends in litigation, mainstreaming, definition, and adaptive behavior of mildly mentally retarded students. Guidelines are offered for establishing criteria of eligibility for placement in programs for the population. (CL)