Ireland's system of special education has undergone unprecedented change over the last three decades. Following major policy developments in the mid-2000s which emphasised inclusive education, there have been changes to special education school personnel and funding structures which seek to include greater numbers of students with disabilities in…

This brief report describes recent data on the enrolment of students in New South Wales (NSW) government special schools and special classes. There has been an increase in both special school and special class enrolments since 1998 with large increases among students with emotional disturbance. This pattern is briefly discussed in relation to…

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 characteristics and functions of effective special education and integrated programs are evaluated in the light of current educational trends toward integration. (GW)

Developments in the integration of handicapped children in the educational system of Ontario, Canada are reviewed. (GW)

Data from the 1985-86 Annual Survey of Hearing Impaired Children and Youth indicated that fewer students are enrolled in special schools. This article discusses possible consequences of movement of deaf students into the local schools and questions whether local schools can provide the educational resources and special services needed by these…

The author examines trends in special education of the past five years, including court cases, emphasis on mainstreaming, categorization schemes, and behavior modification schemes, and makes projections for the next five years. (MJB)

The author traces efforts to define and redefine learning disabilities (LD). The inclusion of children in LD classes who do not meet requirements of the definition is seen as a common yet dangerous practice. (CL)

Analysis of placement and exit data on students with mental retardation (MR) found in annual reports on implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act indicated an upward trend in educating students with mental retardation in general education classrooms, a decline in graduation rates with a diploma or certificate, and a greater…

In 1994 a comprehensive reform of upper secondary education was introduced in Norway, giving all 16-year-olds--including SEN students--a statutory right to enter upper secondary. In a longitudinal study following a representative group of SEN students through upper secondary from 1994 until 1999, the main findings were: (1) SEN students in special…

The historical review places mainstreaming of exceptional children in the context of special education developments since World War II and recent legislation. The period since the War is noted to have produced an expansion of special education services. Among pressures described for changing the emphasis on special class placement are the…

The current trend toward regular class placement of exceptional children is discussed in light of the logic and research related to the self-contained special class. (Author)

Gifted education in Israel was established 18 years ago and now serves 20,000 pupils. Services include special classes in regular schools, pull-out programs, afternoon enrichment courses and special science courses offered by colleges, universities, and municipalities for Jewish, Arab, and Druze students. (Author/DB)

Examination of data from the "Annual Reports to Congress on the Implementation of Public Law 94-142" from 1979 through 1989 revealed that the placement rate for students with learning disabilities being educated in restrictive, separate class settings almost doubled. The proportion of all students with learning disabilities served in…

The report of the proceedings of the 1970 convention of the Council for Exceptional Children includes papers on the arguments for and against special class placement. Discussions concern themselves with love of life, truth, and others by Matt Trippe, the efficacy of special placement for educable mentally handicapped children by John W. Kidd, and…