In activities designed to educate them about similarities and differences between disabled and nondisabled, disabling conditions in general, and a particular autistic child, six preschool children were compared to 12 control children on incident reports to teachers about the autistic child and in sociometric ratings concerning the child.…

An overview is provided of the nature of students who have unique educational needs confounded by their extreme medical needs. The article defines "medically fragile" discusses medically fragile students' educational options in the form of placement in the hospital, home, special class, or regular class; and describes the teacher's role.…

The peer interactions and cognitive levels of play of mildly developmentally delayed preschool children were compared as they participated in mainstreamed and specialized settings. They engaged in substantially higher rates of peer-related social behaviors and constructive play when mainstreamed. Factors affecting early childhood mainstreaming…

Since the passage in 1975 of Public Law 94-142 with the intent of "mainstreaming" handicapped students, more students are moving from regular classrooms into special education rooms. Identifies and discusses eight disincentives to mainstreaming handicapped students. (MD)

A self-contained class for elementary-age students in England with emotional and behavioral problems is described, including admission and assessment, length of placement, social and educational contact with regular students, and parent-school interactions. Results of a follow-up study of the first 40 children admitted to the program are also…

This paper is concerned with one aspect of intellectual functioning, logico-mathematical concepts, and with development of representational space in opportunity class children (those characterized mainly by cultural deprivation, intellectual retardation at the Educable Mentally Retarded-borderline levels, and specific learning disabilities) who…

The Capitol Area School Development Association Conference was held in July 1997. These proceedings include the following presentations: "Challenges to Teacher Tenure--A Debate"; "Recent Decisions of the Commissioner of Education"; "Title IX and Its Implications for School Districts"; "Current Developments in…

The author considers the advantages and problems of labeling and proposes and discusses a 2-year special education contract. (Author)

The decision to mainstream a child into the least restrictive environment opens up a variety of possibilities. The author surveys the mainstreaming options available in public schools, ranging from regular class placement to custodial care. (Part of a theme issue on mainstreaming.) (Editor/SJL)

Reviews literature on the benefits to emotionally disturbed children of mainstreaming versus special class placement. Findings are inconclusive. (SJL)

The four-part special section contains information on educational programs and services for the deaf. Part A presents data on United States schools and classes, Canadian schools and classes, financial data on residential schools in the United States, and continuing education programs for deaf adults. (SBH)

Looking at the emotional and academic needs of the chronically disruptive student, the author proposes a temporary alternative class, emphasizing self-esteem development and individualized instruction, as the best programmatic solution. (SJL)

A study investigated the academic and social development of 25 Canadian gifted students (ages 12-14) in a congregated class at a Catholic high school. Results found the students enjoyed being educated with their gifted peers and valued the competition. The effects of the class on the students' self-esteem are also discussed. (Author/CR)

This study compared perceptions of staff in self-contained programs and mainstreamed programs for students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) in a district committed to inclusion, interagency coordination, and staff training. Well-established self-contained programs were perceived as superior to relatively new mainstream programs in…