Methods drawn from educational counseling (clarifying processes and bibliotherapy) were applied to groups of Israeli elementary teachers in a continuing education program designed to facilitate mainstreaming practices. Surveys on teachers' attitudes indicated a more positive change in attitude toward mainstreaming among intervention group teachers…

A study of fourth-grade students with and without learning disabilities and their teachers examined students' strategic comprehension behavior and the instruction they received. Results found important differences in the way students perceive their comprehension instruction in the classroom and in the way teachers perceive how they implement…

Two studies identified the characteristics of high-quality middle school classroom assignments and their explanations, as indicated by 10 teachers, 13 students with learning disabilities, and 14 students without LD, and then developed an assignment completion routine for teachers and students based on the identified characteristics. Teachers were…

Learning differences or disabilities can be best understood and addressed within the holistic/constructivist theory of knowledge construction and the reciprocal evolution of cognitive structures. Learning differences manifest themselves in the spirals of mental structuring activity that guide relational thinking. Such a perspective focuses on…

Postsecondary education in Australia has undergone major structural change in recent years, accompanied by increased awareness of and policy response to the needs of students with disabilities. The nature of these changes, legislative background, and policy initiatives directed at improving successful participation of these students are described.…

Summarizes an analysis of institutional policies for students with disabilities at 47 Canadian universities. University policies were categorized in a typology according to stage of completion, which ranged from senate- or board-approved to nonexistent. Content analysis revealed over 50 typical items included in disability policies. From this, 11…

In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the Grant Early Childhood Center is implementing Prizing Our Natural Differences (POND), an exemplary public-school Reggio Emilia program. POND effectively integrates day care for toddlers, preschool education, after-school care for primary students, and special-education services for young children. (Contains 10…

Focus group research methods were used to investigate the alignment of inclusive education with other reform efforts at a targeted urban school with 347 students. Results found the teachers, principals, and the parents shared a commitment to sustaining a school community and breaking down the walls of segregation. (Contains references.) (CR)

This article describes an action research project that tracked the progress of under achieving fourth-grade students throughout the school year. The project used a collaborative problem solving and planning guide in an inclusive classroom to enhance students' productive work and produce gains in student achievement and student social skills.…

Clarifies issues surrounding inclusion and describes the implementation of an appropriate educational program for an 11-year-old student with autism entering middle school. Discusses collaborative efforts of school staff, importance of shared leadership roles, adherence to appropriate due process, and analysis of the instructional environment in…

This article describes a thinking process that can lead to meaningful Individualized Education Family Plan outcome statements for young children with disabilities. It offers questions for families and service providers to use to evaluate the outcome statements they craft together and describes some types of outcomes that do make a difference.…

This article describes a 9-week writing workshop in a fourth grade classroom. The workshop was based on a process-writing model, graphic organizers, and ongoing assessment using a six-trait writing assessment rubric. Although both high and low scoring groups made significant progress, the low group made the most progress. (Contains 13 references.)…

Students with behavioral or learning disabilities are important resources for their community. Through two service-learning projects (reading to elementary-school students and interviewing senior citizens), special-needs students at one New Jersey middle school gained confidence in their skills and developed a sense of pride and community…

A study examined the social status of six high school students with moderate or severe disabilities in general education cooking classes. Although no participants were classified as popular among their peers, the majority obtained average social status ratings. Students with disabilities were involved in fewer social interactions than their peers.…

Physical disorders and pharmacotherapy for 134 people with mental retardation (ages 65 years and older) living in the United Kingdom were compared to 73 younger adults with mental retardation. Results showed the older group had higher rates of urinary incontinence, immobility, hearing impairments, arthritis, hypertension, and cerebrovascular…