Examined the referral patterns of 1,095 African; 2,168 Asian; 1,385 Hispanic; and 2,273 White Americans (18 years of age and older) in a public mental health system to determine whether group differences in help seeking and referral patterns were related to participation in ethnic-specific versus mainstream programs. Discusses findings. (KW)

This article identifies five criteria important to the establishment of a least-restrictive environment within an inclusive general education classroom. The criteria are substantive student-teacher interaction, opportunity to respond, academic engaged time, relevant curriculum, and maximization of student success. These criteria are related to the…

Focuses on reasons for the development of a mathematics test for admission of African students from grossly under-resourced schools as well as for placing students into a diversifying first-year curriculum. Highlights the process by which the test questions were developed and piloted. Discusses the reliability of the test and correlations with…

Investigated whether maltreated, substance-exposed infants have higher risk of out-of-home placement than non-abused, substance-exposed children, as well as a higher risk of death than children overall. Followed 480 infants through Illinois death registry and computerized central registry of child abuse reports. Found out-of-home placement and…

Disputes eight myths about special education relating to inclusion, including automatic individualization of instruction and negative effects of attending special classes, the potentially positive effects of eliminating labeling, and the neighborhood school's general education classroom as the least restrictive environment for all children.…

Students who entered special education for serious emotional disturbance (SED) during elementary (n=78) or secondary school (n=95) were followed up eight years later. Results found the secondary students were more likely to have two years of SED services, be placed in SED centers, and to have an unsuccessful outcome. (Author/CR)

This study examined 125 Finnish teachers' attitudes toward the integration of students with severe and profound intellectual disabilities one year after their mandated transition from the social service system into the comprehensive school system. About 80% of respondents thought the best placement for these students was in full- or part-time…

This article presents a comprehensive approach to identifying and addressing issues of disproportionate representation of minority students in special education. Specifically, a list of questions are suggested for evaluating which issues and factors of disproportionality exist in a school. Strategies to address the needs of students from…

Presents an annotated bibliography regarding "Generation 1.5" students--those not born in the United States but who have received some secondary education there. States that these students have completed regular English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) programs and have sufficient linguistic and cultural skills but still find themselves placed in…

Ninety fictional children's books that portrayed at least one character with a learning disability were analyzed. Most characters with learning disabilities were dynamic and were the main character. Most commonly, the learning disability was in reading and written language and services were received in a resource room. (Contains references.) (CR)

Examines the relationship between race, vocational rehabilitation (VR) services, and the rehabilitation outcomes of persons with severe/profound mental retardation. Analysis revealed that European Americans were significantly more likely to achieve closure success, and that persons with severe/profound mental retardation who were provided with job…

A study involving 80 Ohio schools employing Intervention-Based Assessment (IBA) found that IBA was favored over Intervention Assistance Teams in the proportion of children on team caseloads who underwent multifactored evaluation and were found eligible for special education, but not for the proportion of children who received intervention in…

Discussion of developmental disability and child welfare notes the relatively high numbers of children with disabilities receiving child welfare services and/or in foster homes. Suggested changes include training for prospective foster or adoptive parents, the new concept of the "foster to adopt" family, and more involvement of professionals in…

The Education for All Handicapped Children Act requires school districts to provide handicapped children with an appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. Analyzes several circuit court decisions that provide a reasonable framework for courts to use in deciding least restrictive environment controversies. (MLF)

An ecological model for employment preparation in high schools that is based upon successful post-school community job placement for students with severe handicaps is discussed. The paper addresses the functions of employment training, the components of a community-referenced model, and implications for model implementation. (Author/JDD)