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…

Aim: The use of alternative provision for pupils identified as having challenging behaviour and social, emotional and mental health difficulties is widespread across the UK and the majority of these young people do not access a school whilst attending alternative provision. However, many pupils receive provision through a shared placement between…

Education for people with a disability has changed over the years, moving from a philosophy of integration to inclusion. This philosophy requires a whole school approach spanning issues such as access, opportunities for learning, social experiences and developing a culture of acceptance. While this poses many challenges for individuals, schools…

This research investigated a special reading class placement for children with dyslexia in the Republic of Ireland. The study compared the literacy attainments of children before and after their reading class placement, and determined in particular children's views regarding the placement. Participants included 16 children with dyslexia who had…

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…

Current federal legislation holds schools accountable for ensuring that all students, including those with disabilities, make adequate yearly progress on academic achievement measures, while also including students with disabilities in general education settings whenever possible. Schools are thus expected to be both excellent and equitable in…

Students with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are increasingly being educated within mainstream schools. While there is often an assumption that students with ASD who are academically capable will succeed in an inclusive educational placement, previous research has indicated that this is not always the case. Indeed, it seems that students with…

The current study examined the impact of school placement in mainstream or special settings on the behavioural functioning of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Children were assessed at the start of the school year and then again at the end of the school year using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Vineland Adaptive…

The effectiveness of three local authority early teaching interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) was studied. Thirty-three children (2:6 to 4:0 years old) received one of three early teaching interventions: a 1:1 home-based programme, and two different forms of special nursery placement. Measures from the…

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…

Discusses the evolution of the concept of "mainstreaming," objections to the idea, the rights of the handicapped, and the rights of all students to an effective education. Responds to the critics of mainstreaming. (FL)

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…

An overview of debated issues related to the benefits and disadvantages of inclusive schooling. The beliefs of districts, school personnel and parents are widely differing as related to the placement of students with special needs in inclusive settings. The examples of current federal laws help to shape the debate of full inclusion in schools…

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…

This case study examines how individuals construct definitions of handicapped and mainstreaming. The effect of these definitions was examined through interviews and observations of the peers, parents, and educators of a fifth-grade mainstreamed boy with disabilities. Results found that frames of reference can have a substantial impact on program…