Provides a detailed case study of a first grade student labeled as learning disabled (LD). Describes the stark contrast between the student's LD instruction and the specially tailored Reading Recovery instruction. Concludes that the student was instructionally disabled, not learning disabled. (RS)

Social status of learning-disabled (LD) elementary students served by the Integrated Classroom Model was compared to that of LD elementary students in a regular class with resource room support. Results suggest that, although both groups had lower social status than nondisabled peers, ICM students blended into the classroom better. (Author/PB)

After participating in a 3-week individually paced precalculus or science course, 892 academically talented high school students were surveyed. Findings indicated that most students received credit or placement or both for their independent work. Placement/credit was related to Scholastic Aptitude Test scores, gender, type of school, and grade…

Suggests a quick and practical supplementary test that can solve many of the difficulties of student placement in intensive English programs (IEPs). Dictation is suggested as an easy and efficient way to gain information about students' underlying abilities to communicate. (Author/VWL)

A study examined the records of 99 non-adjudicated students with severe emotional and/or behavior disorders (EBD), 49 of whom were placed in regular schools and 50 who were in segregated schools. Results indicated that students served in regular schools were identified as severely behaviorally disordered at an earlier age. (CR)

Reviews federal special-education laws and their effects on children with reading and other disabilities and identifies tensions in sorting and placement decisions. Explores how 1997 amendments to the reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act can advance national reading competence goals for all children. Multifaceted advocacy is…

A study analyzed the process of inclusive education experienced by 20 parents of children with severe disabilities. Results found that the process of inclusion extended beyond the parents' initial placement decision to their ongoing involvement at the school site. At the schools, parents actively participated in the work of inclusion. (Author/CR)

Synthesize findings from 31 studies on differences between pupils in regular primary education and those in special education in the Netherlands to determine whether the number of special-education placements can be reduced. Finds that pupils in regular education and special education differ in achievement and general intelligence. Contains 29…

Using data from the Department of Education's 1997 Annual Report to Congress, this article examines changes that have occurred in the number of U.S. students who are identified with disabilities since inclusion began in earnest in the late 1980s, as well as the movement toward educating these students in more inclusive settings. (CR)

Argues that in Australia, despite complex educational laws/policies, no legal mandate that ensures inclusive education exists. The legislative structure for education is outlined from a constitutional perspective; duties, rights, and responsibilities of teachers, specifically concerning inclusion of children with disabilities in the regular…

Analysis of longitudinal data on approximately 11,000 limited-English-proficient elementary students in Texas found that course placement in English-as-a-second language (ESL) or bilingual education was uneven and resulted in language learning disruptions and possibly in lower achievement. However, the school data does not allow much useful…

Describes how the author used a young adult novel as a catalyst for discussing and investigating issues of social inequity in schools in her sixth-grade advanced language arts class. Describes how, by discussing how placement in advanced classes is determined, students learn to look more carefully and critically at how schools function in society,…

Demonstrates the usefulness of ability grouping in a "media, writing, and information gathering" course to improve students' writing skills. Notes students improved to the point where the gap in skills between ability groups was eliminated. Finds objective tests of mechanical skills did not predict students' writing ability. Suggests writing…

This article suggests "mainstream inclusion" be replaced by "educational inclusion" in order to avoid the implication that venues other than mainstream schools are inferior. It argues that placement of pupils with disabilities should be informed by a consideration of the effectiveness of the venue in raising academic and social standards.…

A study involving 27,908 children (age 10) found that children with very low birth weight born to mothers with low maternal education are at high risk of receiving special education services; however, the largest percentage of children receiving special education had the single risk factor of low maternal education. (Author/CR)