A review of current theory and practice regarding social skills training for children with behavior problems precedes the proposal of a different approach to social skills training, which takes into account the effects of social perception biases of peers which may hinder mainstreaming attempts. (Author/CB)

A case study of a mainstreamed neurologically-impaired, emotionally-disordered, and hyperactive 12-year-old illustrates the efficacy of a student self-evaluation program (featuring token economy procedures) in decreasing out-of-seat behavior and inappropriate verbal behavior and increasing task completion. (CB)

Teacher contributed practices concerning mainstreaming of handicapped students are grouped into the following categories: regular/special education cooperation and teaming; promoting staff, student, and parent understanding; communication about students and instructional methods; building social skills and self esteem; participation in…

Excerpts are printed from the "Tenth Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of The Education of the Handicapped Act." Described are legislative goals, number of students served, emphasis on the least restrictive environment, assistance for state/local agencies in educating handicapped children, employment of the disabled, and…

Identified are four major fallacies in Douglas Fuchs and Lynn Fuchs' critique of the Adaptive Learning Environments Model (ALEM) and the General Education Initiative (GEI): erroneous interpretations of the GEI, segregationism in the Fuchs' point of view, the research base of the ALEM, and readiness for the GEI. (JDD)

This paper refutes the arguments of Margaret Wang and Herbert Walberg in their support of the Adaptive Learning Environments Model (ALEM) and the General Education Initiative. It focuses on the small number of ALEM implementations and replications, weaknesses of the research and evaluations supporting ALEM, and other specific criticisms. (JDD)

Classroom teachers serving handicapped students in the mainstream often need to make instructional modifications. This article discusses reasons for teacher resistance to instructional modifications and provides strategies that consultative staff can use to prevent or reduce resistance. Expectancy theory is used to provide a framework for…

The effects of social support and school placement on 51 learning-disabled elementary and secondary students were assessed. Students with higher levels of perceived social support scored higher in general self-worth, athletic competence, scholastic competence, and behavioral conduct than students with fewer social supports. School placement was…

This paper outlines the extent to which integration of children with disabilities has been achieved within Australian education systems; technical and organizational issues which must be considered, such as access and facilities, curriculum, staffing, staff training, and support personnel; strategies for overcoming obstacles to integration; and…

When an older person confronts vision loss, the perceptual categories of space and time are disrupted. This forces newly blind older persons to question their ability to manipulate their environment and participate in social relationships. It makes them vulnerable to self-imposed tentativeness and externally generated labels of incompetence.…

Study of three adults with severe multiple congenital limb deficiencies does not support Goffman's theory of stigma. For them, self-display is a strategy for self-empowerment in which the primary focus is the experience of the person with disabilities rather than the reactions of people who are "normal." (Author/BJV)

A survey was conducted of 253 parents of severely-handicapped children attending either special schools or integrated programs in regular public schools. Parents of children attending special schools predicted that mainstreaming would be a negative experience, while parents of already integrated children indicated overwhelmingly positive attitudes…

A survey of 39 West Virginia teachers of the severely handicapped found that 33% of placements were in segregated schools, 33% were in separate sites associated with regular education facilities, and 33% were within regular education locations. Of these only 25% were located in age appropriate facilities. (Author/DB)

Recommendations from "Placing Children in Special Education" are reviewed, focusing on: (1) inaccurate interpretation of overrepresentation of minority mildly mentally retarded students, (2) use of prereferral interventions, (3) cross-categorical programing, (4) application of an outcomes criterion, and (5) expansion of regular education…

A questionnaire completed by 303 secondary home economics teachers in Missouri assessed their perceived competency to teach clothing construction to physically handicapped students. Results indicated that amount of teaching experience, personal clothing construction experience, and educational experience were significantly related to teachers'…