Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare a sample of Italian (n = 29) and Finnish children (n = 32) with Down syndrome for possible differences emerging from diverse educational surroundings. Besides the level of adaptive and challenging behaviors, some other issues were compared, including teacher satisfaction. Methods: We used the…

Reading with comprehension is a challenge for students with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. Unfortunately, research has little to offer to teachers trying to help these students. The present study pilots a new intervention targeting vocabulary, main idea identification, anaphoric relations, and text structure. Students (N = 13, M…

This paper examines research findings concerning the loci of the pervasive academic underachievement among deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children and issues associated with interventions and instructional methods that could help to reduce or eliminate it. Investigators have hypothesised that at least 50% of the variability in DHH students'…

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a cooperative learning (CL) intervention on the levels of social and task engagement of a child with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) conducted in a mainstream class setting and a child with ASD implemented in a special needs class setting. The target children were two 8-year-old boys…

Compared was the academic performance in the third grade of 75 children who had participated in the Complete Communication Development Program, a learning disabilities kindergarten, with the performance of 75 children in regular kindergartens. Stanford Achievement Test scores indicated that the Ss in the special class performed significantly lower…

The failure of common methods of research synthesis to arrive at conclusions about effectiveness of special education is discussed. Meta-analysis, the analysis of analyses, is proposed as an alternative. Results of meta-analyses in the areas of special versus regular class placement, process training, and medically-based intervention are…

Use of Assertive Discipline procedures (emphasizing consistent application of praise and reward) were applied with two five-year olds with developmental delays and behavior problems over a one-year period. The procedures were effective in both segregated and regular classroom settings. Differential effects across types of disruptive behavior were…

Evaluated was the 3-year (1969-1972) Title III 3R (reeducation, reality, responsibility) intervention program serving over 600 emotionally disturbed elementary level students from four towns (in Connecticut) in a special unit and regular classes. A systems approach used throughout the project analyzed inputs, processes, and effectiveness of the…

This commentary on EC 231 901 notes that mainstreamed education is not always appropriate and preferable to self-contained class placement for students with mental retardation. The school must identify elements of the mainstream education program that are likely to meet the child's instructional, social, and emotional needs and contribute to the…

The paper describes a case-by-case reintegrating strategy for transfer of special education students to less restrictive environments (RLE) stressing "transenvironmental programming" (TP), student-directed interventions, and collaborative consultation. Implementation involved 10 experimental subjects and 10 controls who were elementary grade…

This collection of position statements issued by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) addresses three issues: (1) inclusive schools and community settings; (2) physical intervention; and (3) discipline. CEC's policy on inclusive schools is to support the concept of inclusion as a meaningful goal but also urge that a continuum of services be…

In response to a paper by David Sabatino (EC 051 608), the author suggests that the resource room concept is no panacea for the ills of special education and taht many of the services proposed are already being offered by many school systems. (DB)

Young children with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) of perinatal origin often present with increasing medical and developmental problems after the first half year of life. Most eventually require foster care; some are integrated in intervention or preschool services; others are in segregated educational programs. Family supports and specialized…

The article describes activities of two education guidance centers in England providing short-term help to behavior disordered students ages 3-15. Program features include classroom-based intervention, individual and group therapy, interim special class placement, and work with families. Assessment and intervention practices are summarized, and…

A comparative analysis of 10 primary and 10 secondary schools found relationships between school policy toward children with learning problems (either encouraging mainstreaming or separate classes) and other aspects of school functioning, including educational philosophy, approach to handicap identification, and degree of communication between the…