Suggests ways early childhood teachers can cope with the challenge of including infants and preschoolers with special needs in classrooms with typically developing children. Includes suggestions for addressing the needs of the group and for enhancing the comfort and learning of each child. (Author)

Studied effects of mainstreaming on the roles of professionals in 16 inclusive preschool programs, using interviews, observation, and document analysis. Found that a sense of shared philosophy or joint ownership of children, when reached jointly rather than being lopsided or imposed from outside, produced more positive experiences, and that key…

Assessed the attitudes of preservice undergraduate elementary teachers toward children with disabilities, investigating whether experiences in an inclusive classroom would lead to more positive attitudes. Pre- and post-field experience surveys indicated that regardless of whether they were in field- based or campus classrooms, student teachers…

A survey was conducted across five educational authorities in Britain concerning the new Code of Practice's influence on special education. It found marked variations in rates of statementing (identification of special needs), proportion of statemented pupils in mainstream schools, and funding arrangements for special needs. Findings have…

Based on experience of having two children with multiple learning disabilities, the author offers strategies for parents to help children experience success and excellence in their education: (1) never limit expectations or predetermine the final outcome; (2) explore all interests and abilities for hidden potential; and (3) include children in…

A study examined how eight parents experienced their child's mainstream schooling and exclusion from a mainstream secondary school. Parents of excluded students felt they were judged as unworthy parents and were mere observers to a decision that had radical implications for their child's future education. (Contains references.) (CR)

Presents strategies and techniques to help instructors and directors promote successful inclusive aquatics programs for students with disabilities, discussing the importance of considering issues related to: teaching style, collaborative planning, goal determination, appropriate inclusive placement, personnel preparation, curriculum adaptation,…

Examined efficacy beliefs and choices of differentiated instructional strategies needed for effective teaching in inclusive classrooms. Israeli preservice teachers completed teacher efficacy scale and instructional strategy scales. Overall, personal teaching efficacy related to choice of instruction, but teaching efficacy did not. Participants…

In response to Kauffman (EC 221 675), the article challenges the following: that the Regular Education Initiative (REI) is a Reagan-Bush plot to cut the costs of special education; that REI is value-driven with placement as the only consideration; and that REI is intended to do away with special education and strengthen regular education. (DB)

This paper outlines the tasks required in developing special education consultation programs to serve special needs students in the least restrictive environment: determination of program goals, selection of models and approaches, identification of specific consulting strategies and tasks, allocation of resources, preparation of affected…

Investigates the opportunities to learn provided in regular and special education classes for mildly handicapped students. Finds that, overall, mildly handicapped students experienced significantly less opportunity to learn during mainstream reading instruction than their nonhandicapped peers. Concludes, however, that placing such students in…

Arguing that only 13 percent of children with severe emotional disturbances are receiving adequate special education services in the least restrictive environment, this article presents strategies for parents to ensure appropriate responsiveness from placement and Individual Education Planning teams as well as advice regarding yearly reviews,…

School psychologists (N=261) in New South Wales, Australia, were surveyed regarding their attitudes toward mainstreaming and asked to identify resources required to meet the needs of disabled students in regular classrooms. Subjects generally saw their role as consultative rather than interventionist and attached little importance to knowledge of…

Fifty rural physical educators teaching disabled students in northern New England completed the Reflective Ecological Inventory, which assists teachers to reflect on their teaching environment and the influence of mainstreaming on that environment to gain appropriate perspective and control. Contains 29 references. (SV)

The article describes teacher-directed and student-mediated comprehension strategies to improve the text comprehension skills of mainstreamed students with mild disabilities. Techniques include advance organizers, study guides, color coding, oral reading, critical thinking maps, and self-questioning techniques. Guidelines are offered for assessing…