The article criticizes current special education practices, noting that the concept of individual differences has led ultimately to the practice of labeling children with special needs. The "medical model" has put children in special classes, where they tend to perpetuate and reinforce both the labels and behaviors implied by those labels.…

Thirty gifted education teachers were compared with 46 regular education teachers using the Teacher Perceiver Interview. Gifted teachers differed from regular teachers on six characteristics (Focus, Gestalt, Innovation, Mission, Rapport Drive, and Investment) but did not differ on two commonly cited characteristics of gifted teachers:…

The development of special education in Brazil is compared with England and the U.S., emphasizing the predominance of educable mentally retarded as a category and the preference for special class provision. The paper discusses various influencing factors, current government policy and service provision, and the future prospects for integration.…

An obervational study of micro-educational environments and microcomputer use within these environments was conducted in special day classes, resource rooms, and mainstream classrooms (N=90). Mildly handicapped students in special education settings had less variety to their instructional experiences than did either handicapped or nonhandicapped…

Social comparison (i.e., an applied behavior analysis procedure) was used to evaluate a reading program with behaviorally disordered elementary school students. Behaviorally disordered students in a self contained special classroom were compared to average readers in a regular classroom on oral reading performance. (SEW)

In response to the problems of nonpromotion, a school district near Rochester, New York introduced the transition class (TC) as a placement alternative after kindergarten for students not ready for the grade one program. Follow-up evaluation investigated the effects of four treatment conditions over a six-year period. (Author)

Argues that regular class placement is inappropriate for the special student because (l) regular classes are too competitive; (2) rejection by other students may occur; and (3) the regular class teacher lacks the necessary special training and support. Suggests upgrading special classes and seeking other methods of integrating students. (SJL)

While socialization is a worthwhile outcome of mainstreaming, it is not sufficient in itself to merit placing a mildly handicapped student in a regular classroom; primary attention in mainstreaming decisions must be given to the instructional setting, the learners, and instructional conditions. (Part of a theme issue on mainstreaming.) (Author/SJL)

Procedures of school placement for 38 children (ages 5 to 18 years) with spina bifida in 23 school districts in western New York State were studied 5 years after a mandated process was enacted. (Author)

This study used the Harter Self Perception Profile for Adolescents and an interview technique to study the self- concept of 25 gifted adolescents during the transition year in a congregated (grouped) classroom for high ability students in secondary school. Test results indicated improved self- concepts, and interviews indicated the students…

A meta-analysis of 40 studies investigated the self-concept of students with learning disabilities (LD) in different educational placements. No association between self-concept and placement was found for four of five comparisons. However, students with LD in self-contained classrooms in regular schools exhibited lower self-concept compared to…

This study found that behaviorally disordered adolescents (n=183) in six special schools perceived lower order and organization and higher teacher control than did normal students in traditional classes. Student satisfaction with school was related to greater levels of perceived involvement, affiliation, and teacher support for the special…

Presented is a history of educational services for children with mild intellectual disabilities in Queensland, Australia. Covering the late 1800's to the present, the article focuses on the impact of legislation, individuals who advanced the field of special education, and the "rise and fall" of separate special schools and classes.…