Although research is limited, the available studies consistently indicate that inclusion does not harm nondisabled students. A literature review disclosed five positive themes: reduced fear of human differences, accompanied by increased comfort and awareness; growth in social cognition; improvements in self-concept; development of personal moral…

The Content Mastery program, which evolved from the synergistic model, provides instructional accommodations and teacher consultation and support that encourage the success of students with learning disabilities in regular classroom settings. Students remain in mainstream classes as long as they can profit from instruction and attend the Content…

Two letters from German educators respond to an article by Carola Murray-Seegert (EC 602 675) on mainstreaming of people with disabilities in Germany. The letters, in both the original German and English translation, basically support the article's premises and urge increasing efforts toward integration of the disabled in Germany. (DB)

Studies 54 children with hearing loss using the hypothesis that children with hearing loss who learn standard language through using their hearing will learn to read in the same predictable ways as children with normal hearing. Finds that hearing losses do not make the normal acquisition of reading impossible. (MG)

To accommodate its moderately and severely handicapped students, the Saline (Michigan) Schools developed an inclusive community model requiring age-appropriate placement, integrated delivery of educational and related services, social integration, transition planning, community-based training, curricular expectations, systematic data-based…

Although children with moderate to significant disabilities participate in regular education, they often attend a school outside their own neighborhood, thereby limiting the effects of mainstreaming. The La Grange Area (Illinois) Department of Special Education has experimented with various learning strategies to facilitate inclusion and imparts…

For inclusiveness to foster growth and cultural enrichment for all its members, teachers need much more than classes on handicapping conditions. Teachers must be prepared through preservice and inservice training to enter a new school community where all students are valued and expected to learn. Syracuse University offers a task force or teaming…

Three problem areas are identified in mainstreaming gifted students: (1) teachers who feel that gifted children do not need differentiated opportunities; (2) teachers who do not address students' needs in subject areas in which they feel uncomfortable; and (3) insecure teachers who feel threatened by the confrontational nature of some gifted…

This position statement of the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities identifies factors necessary for effective educational services for students with learning disabilities in general education classrooms; problems related to providing these services; and recommendations for actions required at the state, school district, and school…

Questions whether the benefits of separating basic writers into homogeneous classes continue to outweigh the disadvantages. Proposes that teachers gather data about success rates of current basic writing courses (using "mainstreamed" volunteer basic writers) and revise first-year composition courses to ensure they will respond to a wider range of…

Reviews research about parental perceptions of and experiences with mainstreaming and discusses implications for practice. The literature reviewed focuses on parental perceptions of the effect of mainstreaming on children, families, and communities. Suggestions for developing successful mainstream education programs are offered. (TJQ)

Qualitative research methods were used to examine practices at an elementary school providing inclusive schooling for students with and without disabilities. Findings indicated that systems change occurred slowly, intentionally, and with a collaborative process of decision making which stressed development of policies, conditions, and supports…

Describes the process 1 family used to facilitate friendships for their 10-year-old daughter with Down's Syndrome. The article explains to teachers how children who are mainstreamed into regular schools can feel lonely without a support network to provide social interactions that might not otherwise occur. (SM)

This study found that 47 mildly handicapped third graders in a full-time integrated program, Team Approach to Mastery (TAM), experienced greater achievement gains than 31 students in resource rooms, though differences were significant only in math. Nonhandicapped TAM students (n=176) made greater gains than mildly handicapped TAM students and…

The article offers 10 questions to aid in integrating hearing-impaired preschoolers into a child care program. Questions address such concerns as staff and children learning to communicate with the deaf child, interpreting, social integration, group size, and helping the deaf child achieve status. (DB)