The Individuals with Disability Act of 2004 states students must be serviced in their least restrictive environment. However, educators see more and more students being provided their instruction in resource rooms, with little evidence that the students are making more progress in a more restrictive environment. This study examined the…

This Information Capsule reviews the research conducted on outcomes associated with placing students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in inclusive classrooms. Key findings include: (1) studies comparing the academic and social outcomes of students with ASD placed in inclusive versus segregated special education classrooms have produced mixed…

Researchers are concerned that English language learners (ELL) may remain classified too long and, therefore, may not receive appropriate mainstream educational services. In this study, we investigate the effects of language classification on student outcomes in one California school district. Our ordinary least squares regression estimates…

Alternative schools serve a population of students who have come in conflict with the codes of conduct of their home school district. Students with disabilities are subject to the same codes of conduct and occasionally are referred to alternative schools. These referrals constitute a change in placement mandating alternative schools to provide…

The focus of this study was on increasing the knowledge base on students with disabilities at the secondary level. Data were gathered on 559 classified secondary students with disabilities served in four educational options: cotaught classes, resource rooms, alternate day support programs, and no direct supports. Results indicate that there are…

The rising incidence of autism and placement in general education necessitates a greater understanding of the impact of educational placement on academic achievement for adolescents with autism. In the present study, the academic profiles of adolescents with autism who have been educated in inclusive and self-contained settings are described using…

In order to better understand academic achievement among deaf and hard-of-hearing students in different educational placements, an exploratory study examined the experiences of postsecondary students enrolled in mainstream programs (with hearing students) versus separate programs (without hearing students) at the same institution. The Course…

Despite the trend toward inclusive education for all students, there is little research that focuses on the academic achievement of students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) and other health impairments (OHI) in inclusive classrooms. The purpose of this nonexperimental quantitative study was to analyze and compare the academic achievement…

Currently there is an international shift towards inclusive education, a means of education according to which the learner is schooled in the least restrictive environment possible, to overcome his or her challenges to learning and development. Bearing this in mind we considered the experiences of a learner with learning difficulties who transited…

Spina Bifida children (N=22) in regular and special schools were matched for IQ and their academic achievement compared. Data from tests revealed that Ss from special schools were behind their peers in mathematics with no significant differences in reading. (CL)

Extensive observational data were gathered in high school classrooms for handicapped and nonhandicapped students to establish social norms for comparision purposes, and help determine integrated placement. Significant difference in two behaviors (reading and listening/participation) were noted between the handicapped and nonhandicapped students.…

The main criterion for eligibility for special education services in schools has been proof of intrinsic deficit. There are two problems with this focus: First, defining and identifying high-incidence disabilities are ambiguous and subjective processes. Second, the focus on disability has become so intertwined with the historical devaluing of…

A review of the educational and emotional impact of restrictive educational settings on children in the lowest quartile of achievement asserts that the variables which are important for successful student outcomes can occur in most settings. For ethical reasons the least restrictive environment is preferred. (Author/PN)

A policy of developmental placement of intellectually gifted children is recommended as being more effective and less expensive than enrichment and separate programs. Specific placement criteria are offered. (DB)

Background: Over the past 20 years or so policy and practice on the education of children with special educational needs (SEN) has been aimed at placing increasing numbers of children in a mainstream school environment. Although this policy has been supported in principle by many teachers, parents and local authority officers, there has been much…