This article presents a case study of a child with autism educated in a regular education classroom. It identifies key factors in the child's successful inclusion: (1) knowing the child's needs; (2) having a positive attitude; (3) inservice training for staff; (4) the involvement of teachers, therapists, and support staff in team planning; and (5)…

Describes the trend in desegregation litigation of moving away from student assignment and towards improving the quality of education. The court's effort in addressing the issue of overcrowding in DeKalb County (Georgia) are highlighted. The eventual plan to lessen overcrowding is described, as well as the debate over how quality of education…

A survey of 408 elementary school principals found about 1 in 5 had positive attitudes toward inclusion while most were uncertain. Positive experiences with students with disabilities and exposure to special education concepts were associated with positive attitudes toward inclusion and more positive attitudes were related to less restrictive…

This paper examines the student placement decision-making process since the 1950s noting trends. The process is seen to include accumulating relevant data, analysis of data, and exploration of possible placement options. Creative and appropriate programing is emphasized. The role of the teacher of visually handicapped students is clarified.…

Although Susan Allan's article in the same "Educational Leadership" issue has cogently delineated ability grouping's academic benefits for gifted youth, she has failed to recognize the emerging reformist agenda to eliminate grouping as racist. Oakes's and Goodlad's descriptions of instruction at various grouping levels have lead to erroneous…

Elementary teachers (N=276) reviewed a vignette of a hypothetical gifted student described as having either mild or moderate behavioral problems and either nonlabelled or labelled as behaviorally disordered (BD). Teachers were more likely to refer the mildly disturbed student for placement in a gifted program and were not significantly influenced…

Curriculum-based vocational assessment (CBVA) determines the appropriate vocational program placement for middle school special needs students, monitors progress, and assists transition. The Practical Arts Evaluation System at Shawnee Mission Schools (Kansas) is a CBVA that uses skills in business, home economics, and technology education. (SK)

The survey of rural and suburban elementary school teachers (N-65) found that teachers used standardized group tests and grade equivalents far too frequently for placement in basal reading instructional materials and did not realize the inappropriateness of these practices. Alternative suggestions for student placement are offered. (DB)

The article responds to a criticism (EC 221 612) of a previous article by the authors (EC 212 323) and suggests the criticism is biased. They note the fallacy of value-free research, reject the allegation that their bias guided their research, and identify points of agreement and disagreement with the criticism. (DB)

The categorical stability of 523 students with mild handicaps was investigated in a retrospective study of special education records. Results indicated that many students had at least two different classifications during their school years. Analyzed were the stability of various categories, student age when changes took place, and predictors of…

Although this study's results favored heterogeneous over homogeneous ability grouping in mainstreamed, middle school classrooms, each arrangement produced desirable and less desirable outcomes. Instructional success can probably be realized by using either approach, so long as off-task and other liabilities can be effectively counteracted.…

This case study of one resource program describes structures and techniques used in the regular classroom, playground, lunchroom, and resource room to help in mainstreaming handicapped students. In four years this program saw a 42 percent reduction in students classified as handicapped, although school enrollment grew by almost 38 percent.…

Data from the 1985-86 Annual Survey of Hearing Impaired Children and Youth indicated that fewer students are enrolled in special schools. This article discusses possible consequences of movement of deaf students into the local schools and questions whether local schools can provide the educational resources and special services needed by these…

An overview of the 68 optometric residencies offered at 35 health care facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs looks at the resident selection system, accrediting and position funding, and growth in residency positions since 1975. A new primary care education program open to a number of health care disciplines is highlighted. (MSE)

Data from (n=470) students at Owens Technical College in Fall 1991 showed that high school GPA was the best predictor of grades in Basic Algebra, followed by high school rank, college GPA, ACT natural sciences, ASSET numerical skills, and ASSET elementary algebra scores. (11 references) (SW)