This research abstract is based on two studies: first, "Student and Instructional Outcomes under Varying Student-Teacher Ratios in Special Education" and, second, "A Case Study Analysis of Factors Related to Effective Student-Teacher Ratios", both by Martha L. Thurlow and others. The studies investigated the effects of various student-teacher…

This study applied computer-assisted instruction (CAI) techniques to improve peer acceptance among 92 mainstreamed students with mild disabilities from 10 to 13 years of age. Participants in the treatment group received their generalized curriculum program (including mathematics, language arts, reading, health, social studies, and science)…

The position paper delineates the strengths and weaknesses of the resource consultant in serving mildly behaviorally impaired students in rural areas. Three models of consultation (purchase of expertise, doctor-patient, and process models) are described and advantages of each for classroom teachers are noted. Ways to increase the utilization of…

This study examined the criterion validity of curriculum-based measurement (CBM) reading measures in three ways: the relationship between CBM performance and teacher perceptions of student academic functioning; relationship between CBM scores and reading performance on a group achievement test; and the ability of CBM to differentiate between…

The fourth part of a parenthood education curriculum series, the Parent Education Workbook consists of a teachers guide (and 12 student lesson units not replicated in the guide) divided into two parts, the first part focusing on relationships and the second on child care. The units are intended for use by mainstreamed mentally disabled (MD) and…

The paper views teaching as an interaction between the teacher and students with the teacher having the responsibility of structuring the environment to assure student learning. Key findings from the study of teacher effectivness are noted, mildly handicapped students as learners are defined, and information on teaching strategies that have been…

The literature of the "foundations of education" field (e.g. social, philosophic, psychological) is examined to provide a better understanding of the relationship between schooling and culture as it applies to mildly learning disabled students. A "radical paradigm" is applied which sees schools as serving the interests of elites, as reinforcing…

The report cites research on educators' knowledge and understanding of P.L. 94-142 (the Education for All Handicapped Children Act), the ability of a typical school staff to implement P.L. 94-142, and elements restrictive to providing the instructional program. Noted among findings were the following: although a student provided with special…

Literature is reviewed regarding the impact of physical activity on development in mildly handicapped (educable mentally retarded and learning disabled) students. Studies showing improvement in self concept after participation in a motor development program are cited. Risk taking in the mildly retarded is examined, and the implications of a change…

The study investigated the frequency and intensity of stress among 135 teachers of educable mentally retarded (EMR), learning disabled (LD), and emotionally disturbed (ED) children and the relationship of stress levels to certain demographic variables including years of experience, grade level, educational background, category of student, age, and…

For teachers of mildly handicapped children, an intervention strategy is presented which modifies academic and social behaviors in three stages: 1) modification of instruction techniques, 2) reinforcement of academic tasks, and 3) modification of social behaviors. (Author/JYC)

The effectiveness of small group instruction in test taking skills was evaluated with 85 learning disabled or behaviorally disordered students in grades four to six. Trained students scored significantly higher than nontrained students on Stanford Achievement subtests of word study skills and mathematics concepts. (DB)

The statewide (Oregon) survey of special education administrators, high school special education teachers, and parents of mildly disabled high school students investigated four areas of special education services: focus/content, discrepancies between availability and utilization, barriers to mainstreaming, and conditions required for improvement.…

Describes a study conducted to identify entry-level job competencies common to a range of entry-level jobs in competitive employment settings, and to design and test the feasibility of a Worker Competency Report form as an alternate or in addition to standard job application forms. (CT)

The article describes the community learning program Fairfax County, Virginia, provides moderately and severely handicapped students to prepare them for eventual home and work environments. Covered are program structure, preparation, traffic and public transportation instruction, safety instruction, grocery store instruction, restaurant…