The study compared the effects of different play conditions (microcomputer, remote-control robot, or no toys) on the amount of time four dyads of handicapped/nonhandicapped children would interact during structured play. Results suggested that microcomputers may serve as social facilitators for children with significant social and language…

This New Jersey survey found that 67 teachers of preschool handicapped children were more stringent in their perceptions of the skills necessary for mainstreaming in kindergarten than were 63 kindergarten teachers. The survey also found that different instructional strategies were used by the two teacher groups. (Author/JDD)

Research is reviewed concerning the cooperative learning methods most widely researched in studies comparing cooperative and traditional methods. Several cooperative learning methods are described. Outcomes reviewed include academic achievement, intergroup relations, mainstreaming, and self-esteem. (TJH)

Explores the relationship of attitudes toward disability and the frequency of contact with mainstreamed disabled children. Suggests the mere presence of disabled students in school settings does not have an intensive effect on the emotional reaction of nondisabled students and may be associated with more negative attitudes toward disabled persons.…

Presented is a history of educational services for children with mild intellectual disabilities in Queensland, Australia. Covering the late 1800's to the present, the article focuses on the impact of legislation, individuals who advanced the field of special education, and the "rise and fall" of separate special schools and classes.…

A New Zealand report on mainstreaming students with special educational needs has stimulated discussion of the policy's real outcomes and the wisdom of placing students in special education without appropriate support services. Development of specific educational and social goals and instructional and organizational changes facilitating…

The article examines the General Education Initiative of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services in light of (1) the failure of past major reform efforts to help students with learning problems, and (2) questionable assumptions about how such students learn. The expansion of special education support to other at-risk students…

This article presents comments from advocates of education for deaf students concerning President Bush's summit with state governors to discuss the future of education. Excerpts from the conference statement are included. Topics covered include the role of special education, emphasis on quality, mainstreaming, the federal-state partnership, and…

This examination of the General Education Initiative recommends: provision of a range of special educational services from total segregation to full-time integration; expanded efforts to determine the efficacy of various education placements; increased integration for students with mild to moderate disabilities; and integration training for…

Fifty mainstream teachers in grades 3-12 were surveyed concerning their experience and educational background, their attitudes toward teaching effectiveness, and their mainstream classes. Both teacher attitudes toward personal teaching efficacy and class size predicted variance in the teachers' selection of educational strategies for their…

The deaf community in the United States is a distinct subcultural group that is bilingual, diglossic, and trimodal. The deaf should be considered a legitimate cultural and linguistic minority, and entitled to educational programs reflecting this. Inclusion of information on deaf people in multicultural education programs is advocated, and…

Parents of 23 Alberta, Canada, children with mild to severe mental handicaps were asked to describe their parenting experiences. Parental concerns were analyzed in terms of severity of the handicapping condition and dealt with education and social integration, emotional stresses, future prospects, impact on the family, support systems, and…

Described are five ways to coordinate resource room and regular education programs: (1) consultation services, (2) collaborative teaching/co-teaching, (3) structured recess program, (4) work completion groups, (5) and daily check-outs for contract monitoring. (DB)

British educational policy on inservice training has established as a priority the training of classroom teachers to meet special educational needs of their students, using a curriculum-focused, whole-school approach. Three issues require consideration in the policy's implementation: academic organization, social climate of the school, and…

The article presents historical background and prevalence data on the population of visually impaired and blind children of India. The establishment of government sponsored and private programs is discussed. Integrated education, research, and priorities for the future are also addressed. (Author)