During 1992-93, an upstate New York district saved a million dollars while improving services for special needs students. The district saved tuition costs by reclaiming 80 disabled children formerly placed in outside programs. By carefully reviewing students' learning difficulties, staff lowered the number of students classified as educationally…

As more students with disabilities move into mainstreamed classroom settings, the role of special educators has shifted from direct instruction to more indirect support of classroom teachers. This article discusses definitions of consultation, the consultation process, consultation models, and situational factors in consultation. (JDD)

Using a teaching case based on an actual experience of a first-year resource teacher, this article explores several issues related to the effective and efficient implementation of collaborative models. It examines forms of collaboration; skills, qualities, and competencies needed; barriers and facilitators; and potential benefits. (JDD)

FM (frequency modulation) classroom amplification systems are described. Advantages for students with only minimal hearing losses as well as those more seriously affected are noted. Research on FM classroom systems and input from 20 teachers support the use of this technology with students who need a slightly higher volume level of instruction.…

A survey of 1 school district found 136 students (out of 14,229) with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) of which 77 were receiving special education services; 40 were also identified as behavior disordered, 22 as learning disabled, and 7 as mildly mentally retarded. Fifty students were in general education classrooms with resource…

Third to sixth graders (n=508) completed the Children's Disturbingness Scale. Findings indicated significant multivariate differences for gender and age, with girls and younger students more disturbed by virtually all categories of behaviors. Implications for inclusion are discussed. (Author/DB)

Data from 162 special education teachers and 31 administrators in restrictive placements for students with serious emotional disturbance (SED) found that reintegration orientation, demographic characteristics of restrictive SED programs, and particular experiences/training of special educators predict reintegration rates of SED students into less…

Two Israeli studies compared a total of 108 elementary or high school students with mild learning disabilities placed in either self-contained or regular classes. The studies found no evidence that student growth was greater in the self-contained class, although these students did tend to have a higher academic self-concept. (Author/DB)

The history of the inclusion movement is briefly summarized, with emphasis on adaptations for students who are gifted or talented. Characteristics of effective inclusion settings are identified, including effective instructional presentation, a cooperative and encouraging classroom environment, high teacher expectations, a cognitive emphasis, and…

General educators offer their perspective on inclusion of students with disabilities. They point out the advantages of ongoing collaboration among regular and special educators, paraprofessionals, and specialists. They note that general education classes are already highly diverse but the single teacher lacks the advantages of collaborative…

This response to Carr (1993) on the issue of inclusion for students with learning disabilities supports inclusion, noting that special education has promoted the abdication of the regular educator's responsibility. The importance of teacher training is emphasized. (DB)

Use of Assertive Discipline procedures (emphasizing consistent application of praise and reward) were applied with two five-year olds with developmental delays and behavior problems over a one-year period. The procedures were effective in both segregated and regular classroom settings. Differential effects across types of disruptive behavior were…

Head Start caregivers' positive and neutral interactions with nonhandicapped, and mainstreamed handicapped, children were observed while the caregivers engaged in caregiving and instructional activities. Caregivers were found to have higher positive and neutral interaction rates and higher negative interaction rates, with handicapped than with…

Analyzes changes in the Quebec Education Act and accompanying regulations and directives in light of the following 10 major objectives: (1) right-to-education; (2) extended schooling; (3) availability of services; (4) accessibility of facilities; (5) prevention; (6) assessment; (7) integration; (8) appropriate education; (9) consultation; and (10)…

This article discusses a rationale for and benefits of integration of preschoolers with severe disabilities. Strategies to promote social integration are offered in the areas of teacher preparation, environmental arrangements, activities aimed at nonhandicapped peers, and teaching disabled children social interaction strategies. Also considered…