The author replies to an article by F. Gresham in which Gresham argued that social skill training is an important prerequisite to satisfactory mainstreaming of handicapped children. The author questions Gresham's interpretation of social skill training studies in segregated settings, and emphasizes the need for more social skills training. (MC)

Teachers' responses to inappropriate behavior were significantly lower when addressing the misbehavior of a handicapped child as opposed to misbehavior of a nonhandicapped child. When the child was handicapped, the teacher was significantly more willing to use corporal punishment, have the child reassigned, and predict future academic failure.…

In addition to a positive relationship between willingness to integrate and special training or knowledge, a relationship existed between perception of disruptive behavior of mainstreamed children and willingness to integrate. Results supported the contention that willingness to integrate handicapped children increased as regular class teachers…

The author reviews findings from a four-year study of mainstreaming programs, notes complaints of regular classroom teachers, describes successful approaches to promote integration, and discusses a range of mainstreaming models from informal "deals" between teachers to unconditional mainstreaming. (CL)

Suggestions are offered for facilitating integration of hearing impaired and deaf students. Considerations cover three main areas: school organization, the pupil, and the classroom. The importance of understanding the student's fatigue is emphasized. (CL)

The paper argues that the criterion form-referenced (CFR) concept contradicts the philosophy and definition of mainstreaming, whereas a cognitive conceptualization constitutes a more appropriate framework for designing and assessing mainstreaming. Learning from a cognitive perspective that emphasizes self-regulation is reviewed. Specific examples…

The paper summarizes two studies on Team Assisted Instruction (TAI), combining cooperative learning and individualized instruction to accommodate the social and academic needs of mainstreamed academically handicapped students and their nonhandicapped classmates. TAI improved social and academic behavior, and in one study, increased mathematics…

Outlines findings from a Wisconsin study to identify problems hindering the process of implementing mainstreaming programs in secondary schools. Includes eight recommendations and a reference list. (MD)

An inservice program on mainstreaming was based on teachers' needs/concerns identified in assessment interviews which were then largely addressed in a job-embedded approach. (CL)

Because grading practices relating to mainstreamed handicapped pupils have received little attention, the paper investigates the pertinent issues and gives examples. Emphasized is the need to avoid confusion caused by arbitrary grading systems, and clearly identify graders, consumers, and messages intended by the grades. Choosing satisfactory…

In a study involving 50 undergraduate and graduate education students the Attitudes Toward Mainstreaming Scale was found to have a large first factor with adequate reliability. There was a low correlation between knowledge and ATMS scores, although knowledge was more strongly related to classroom acceptance of exceptional students. (CL)

The study investigated the extent to which six handicapped and six nonhandicapped preschoolers interacted with other children and adults during free play, fine motor, circle, and snack. Observations and analysis of the interaction revealed that only noticeable differences between the two groups were observed during free play activities. (Author/CL)

Some specific guidelines and procedures for developing and implementing successful mainstreaming programs are provided. Factors discussed include: developing criteria for mainstreaming; preparing handicapped students; preparing nonhandicapped students; promoting communication among educators; evaluating student progress; and providing inservice…

To succeed in moving into regular class settings, learning disabled and other handicapped students must acquire generalization strategies. Approaches to aid generalization include verbal or written instructions, feedback, reteaching and positive practice, rewards or contracts, and peer cooperation. (CL)

An examination of case records and special educational placement decisions for 40 children found that very few children were mainstreamed and that other than the child's ability and/or learning/behavioral characteristics were strongly implicated in special educational decisions. (Author/CL)