The authors, asserting that proponents of integration have often built their arguments on mistaken assumptions, proceed to discuss these assumptions with regard to emotionally disturbed/behavior disordered children and present arguments for segregation and an appropriate procedure for reintegration. (Author)

The author cites advantages of separate classes for gifted students, suggesting that they should be protected from teachers who do not understand them and school environments with which they are bored. (CL)

Factors involved in the decision to place a learning disabled child in a mainstream or special class setting include the classroom situation (class size and teacher training); the child (behavior, academic ability, and social competence); and the parents. (CL)

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 article responds to a criticism (EC 221 612) of a previous article by the authors (EC 212 323) and suggests the criticism is biased. They note the fallacy of value-free research, reject the allegation that their bias guided their research, and identify points of agreement and disagreement with the criticism. (DB)

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 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)

The paper traces the apparently conflicting trends toward elimination of special classes for handicapped students (mainstreaming) and the movement toward special programs for gifted and talented students. Issues related to identification and labeling are examined, and the importance of flexible definitions for both retardation and giftedness is…

The article criticizes a previous article (EC 212 323) on the play behavior of hearing-impaired children in integrated or segregated settings. It notes the use of terminology suggesting author bias against special class or school placement and failure to consider such variables as level of auditory function and availability of manual communication…

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…

Disputes eight myths about special education relating to inclusion, including automatic individualization of instruction and negative effects of attending special classes, the potentially positive effects of eliminating labeling, and the neighborhood school's general education classroom as the least restrictive environment for all children.…

This paper argues for considering the uniqueness of each student with serious emotional/behavioral disorders when deciding on placement. A full continuum of alternatives should be considered, including the possibility that a self-contained class with a low student/teacher ratio may be the least restrictive setting needed to produce successful…

Federal legislation for educating students with disabilities guides the selection of educational placements on the basis of the least restrictive environment, which must encourage the promotion of social interaction between students with disabilities and their nondisabled peers and must provide students an appropriate education. Some advocacy…

Argues that regular class placement is inappropriate for the special student because (l) regular classes are too competitive; (2) rejection by other students may occur; and (3) the regular class teacher lacks the necessary special training and support. Suggests upgrading special classes and seeking other methods of integrating students. (SJL)

While socialization is a worthwhile outcome of mainstreaming, it is not sufficient in itself to merit placing a mildly handicapped student in a regular classroom; primary attention in mainstreaming decisions must be given to the instructional setting, the learners, and instructional conditions. (Part of a theme issue on mainstreaming.) (Author/SJL)