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)

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)

This paper reviews the literature on full inclusion and its applicability for students with autism. It concludes that, although the goals and values underlying full inclusion are laudable, neither the research literature nor thoughtful analysis of the nature of autism supports elimination of smaller, highly structured learning environments for…

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…

Findings of 43 studies examining the effects of class placement on social adjustment of mentally retarded students were reviewed. Studies met the following criteria: (1) they investigated the class placement of mentally retarded students; (2) they included a dependent measure of social adjustment; and (3) they reported quantitative tests of…

The paper distinguishes American and Canadian applications of the terms "mainstreaming" and "integration" in relation to placement of exceptional children in settings which foster interaction between them and their non-handicapped peers such as regular classes in neighborhood schools. The two terms are seen to represent…

The author reviews results of eight research papers with conflicting data on effectiveness of special versus regular class placement for educable mentally retarded children, expresses need for more research, and emphasizes use of the individualized education plan to determine the most appropriate setting for a child. (MC)

This review of studies comparing children with behavioral disorders in different educational settings found that pupils in self-contained programs displayed greater improvement in academic achievement than did similar pupils in regular classes. However, the reverse pattern applied to changes in self-concept. Follow-up data indicated enormous…

A review of historical documents from the early 1900's in Los Angeles indicated that although mental testing played an important diagnostic role, it did not determine special class placement or establishment of special classes. Teacher referral was equally important in placement decisions. (Author/DB)

Reviews literature on the benefits to emotionally disturbed children of mainstreaming versus special class placement. Findings are inconclusive. (SJL)

The paper analyzes research on the self concept of differentially placed educable mentally retarded (EMR) students and hypothesizes covarying factors which may suggest to educators variables to be taken into account in placement decisions. Considered are such factors as IQ, reading achievement, and being the only retarded child mainstreamed into a…

The paper examines the continuing overrepresentation of minorities in special education programs for the mildly handicapped and their underrepresentation in programs for the gifted and talented. Alternative policy strategies are presented for advocates and decision makers concerned with reducing the increasing racial and ethnic disparities in…

The literature review examines the issue of whether categorical differentiation and placement of mentally retarded and learning disabled students is educationally warranted. First, the two conditions are defined; next, a comparison between the two on psychological, behavioral-social, and educational characteristics usually ascribed to children so…

The paper reviews research on the effects of placement in full-time special education classes, part-time regular classes with resource support, and full-time regular classes on mildly handicapped students. Also examined are programs designed to improve achievement, social-emotional adjustment, and social acceptance of the academically handicapped…

The document contains the final report of a project to determine the factors that account for disproportionate representation of minority students in special education programs, especially programs for mentally retarded students; and to identify placement criteria for practices that do not affect minority students disproportionately. Chapter 1…