Describes an education professor's efforts to equalize opportunities for a blind student teacher in her reading instruction class. The class was better for sighted students because of the blind student's presence and the modifications made to accommodate her lack of sight. Accommodation challenges are even greater for elementary teachers with…

This study of 18 preschoolers' conversational responsiveness in an integrated classroom setting during free play found that language-impaired and speech-impaired children were ignored by their peers and responded less often when a peer initiated to them. Results suggest that peer interaction difficulties may be concomitant consequences of early…

Describes a model implemented by the Little Rock (Arkansas) school district that focused on the transition of children with special needs from preschool and home-based programs into district kindergarten. The model's main emphasis was on cooperating with and empowering all parents to act as independent and informed advocates for their children.…

Preschool children (n=128) at risk for development of a developmental disability were assessed using the Scales of Independent Behavior and the revised Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-Survey Form. The summary scores of both tests were found to correlate moderately with IQ and with the extent of integration children achieved in their subsequent…

Analysis of responses of Virginia educators (n=788) to a survey concerning increased integration of students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) found limited program change-related guidelines or category-specific outcome-monitoring measures. Doubts about the ability and willingness of general education teachers to make instructional changes…

An ethnographic approach was used to examine the learning experience of four Chinese ethnic immigrant students as they made the transition from English as a Second Language to mainstream classrooms in one high school. Fundamental changes are advocated for systematic integration of content and language. (Contains 33 references.) (Author/LB)

Development of a program integrating multiply disabled children into a self-contained preschool program serving deaf and hard of hearing children is described. Although the children were integrated within one curriculum, they were provided small group instruction based on their language skill levels. (DB)

Sixty preschool children (30 deaf and hard of hearing, 30 hearing) were observed in their integrated school during learning center activities and outdoor play. Half experienced auditory communication and half total communication modes. Although all children preferred to play and communicate with same-hearing status children, 63% did communicate…

Discusses the ways in which families and children with developmental disabilities can attain "full citizenship" with a creed of positive contribution, great expectations, friendships, choices, and strengths. (BB)

Comparison of 502 former and 148 active participants in a prevocational intervention for at-risk students and 157 at-risk nonparticipants found (1) comparable dropout rates, self-concept scores, and reading and math achievement; (2) decline in participants' grades and attendance after the program; and (3) higher degrees of internality in cognitive…

The social participation patterns of 28 young children with visual impairments (some with additional disabilities) during free-play periods was compared across specialized and integrated settings. Although no significant differences were found between settings, there were significant differences between children with and without additional…

Discusses the unique problems of accommodating the needs of mildly handicapped students in rural schools and the importance of collegial support in overcoming these problems. Describes peer collaboration, a method of facilitating collegial support and mutual problem solving. Summarizes research evaluating the effectiveness of peer collaboration.…

Systematic observations in 46 third- or fourth-grade classrooms found little differentiation in instructional and curricular practices, grouping arrangements, and verbal interactions for gifted and talented students in regular classrooms. Across 5 subject areas and 92 observation days, the observed students experienced no instructional or…

This article considers the legacy of Samuel Gridley Howe and others such as Francis Campbell and Mary Caroline Greene who were committed to the education of individuals with blindness. The paper examines controversies over mainstreaming versus residential schooling and the need for emphasis on developing independence in individuals with blindness.…

Presents two case studies of learning disorders, one involving Attention Deficit Disorder and the second involving delayed speech problems. Relates students' progress to the availability and provision of needed services. Lists resources for additional information. (PAA)