This study involving three autistic and four nondisabled preschool children found that a peer-initiation intervention produced increases in peer initiations and social interactions when the teacher verbally prompted, but not without verbal prompts. When a correspondence training/visual feedback package was implemented, peer initiations and social…

The interactions of three dyads, consisting of one student with moderate mental retardation and one nondisabled peer, were assessed while playing computer games. Results indicated that students (ages 13-14) exhibited more frequent social initiations, higher degrees of game satisfaction, and equal/higher degrees of peer satisfaction while playing…

A study investigating the effect of a freshman seminar on students' social and academic adjustment to college (the University of North Carolina (Charlotte) found that seminar participants (n=150) had higher grades and participated in more out-of-class contacts with faculty than did a matched group of non-seminar students. (Author/MSE)

The influence of skill level, behavioral characteristics, and labeling upon the attitudes of 320 members of 12 private tennis clubs toward the participation of individuals with mental retardation was investigated. Attitudes and intentions toward people with mental retardation were positive regardless of label assigned and perceived skill level.…

Community integration of individuals with mental retardation in Treguier, Brittany (France) was examined. A grid-group typology of cultural regimes was employed to measure change in social status as reflected in social interactions. Each regime linked the presence of individuals with mental retardation to shared values in a community and produced…

Studies children's social networks, interpersonal concerns, and help-seeking behavior as functions of gender, school performance, and economic status. Shows significant differences based on all three independent variables, with the most negative results demonstrated by economically disadvantaged boys. Discusses various strategies to counteract the…

This article identifies three areas in early childhood special education which need further work: working with families to define social outcomes, expanding our definition of social behaviors and moving toward a framework based on social relationships, and developing interventions that are socially valid, ecologically valid, and sustainable across…

Tinto's theory of college retention suggests that minority students must assimilate into the cultural mainstream to succeed on predominantly white campuses. This theory overlooks the U.S.'s history of ethnic oppression and discrimination. Delineates an alternative model based on cultural integrity and Bourdieu's notions of cultural capital.…

Examines and discusses ways in which both subtle and blatant bigotry toward nonnative speakers of English is present in departments of English. Illustrates how unfounded and inaccurate beliefs about English language proficiency create a hostile climate for a new population of students. Discusses the spoken and written English problems encountered…

Based on an examination of related literature, reviews the pre- and post-enrollment characteristics of first-generation community college students, and discusses what colleges should do to help these students be successful. Asserts that while considerable research exists on first-generation students on four-year college campuses, the findings and…

Participant observation study explored social interactions and friendships among cognitively impaired adult day-care participants. Found clients engage in a variety of social interactions and friendships, enabling them to maintain a sense of self and to adjust to group norms. Discussed general socializing, enduring friendships, helping…

A model of attrition based on theory of approach/avoidance behavior was developed and tested with 262 university students, mostly in their first and second years. The study demonstrated that certain approach/avoidance behaviors affected certain types of academic and social integration more than others, and that integration may be more complex than…

This study, involving 85 workers with and without disabilities, found few differences in coworker relations and interactions. Of nine interaction categories, coworkers without disabilities interacted more among themselves in only one--befriending off the job. Individual workers with disabilities in light industry occupations experienced less…

A survey of 77 parents of children requiring ventilator support and interviews with 22 of the families sought to determine parental satisfaction with their child's educational placement. The survey showed that 44% of children were in general education programs, and 87% of parents agreed with their children's placement. (CR)

A step-by-step guide is presented for developing and implementing a social interaction intervention based on a study of an inclusive preschool program. Steps include developing a data collection system, selecting observation time, collecting baseline data, identifying target children, developing social interaction skills intervention, monitoring…