Five case studies of 7- to 14-year-olds mainstreamed (by necessity) in isolated rural Queensland (Australia) schools were reviewed. Five factors influenced mainstreaming outcomes: (1) the "self-sufficiency myth" (2) availability of specialist support; (3) effective use of support services; (4) quality of staff communication; and (5) lack…

Parents have a real opportunity to influence their child's education through participation in the Committee on the Handicapped process which includes referral, evaluation, Individualized Education Program (IEP) planning and review. Specific guidelines for parent participation in this process are discussed, including parent/teacher conferences,…

Recent statements by educators and child development specialists support the contention that a child's developmental maturity is the key predictor of success in school. Possible modifications of student placement policies are considered, including establishment of transitional programs for kindergarten graduates not fully ready for first grade.…

Examined the role of various psychoeducational assessment devices in contributing to appropriate placement decisions for 30 emotionally handicapped, 30 learning disabled, and 30 educable mentally retarded students. Results showed that standardized tests plus teacher ratings were effective in predicting only the EMR group. (JAC)

This reaction paper stresses the importance of matching the qualitatively different types of educational decisions with appropriate types of tests. Reading instruction is used to illustrate that while standardized tests are helpful for student classification and program accountability, they are hazardous to instructional process decisions which…

Two investigations of spontaneous use of mnemonic strategies by learning disabled and nonlearning disabled children and adolescents are reported. Despite differences, recall and strategy use were not useful predictors of classification as learning disabled or nonlearning disabled and were only weak to moderate correlates of academic achievement.…

Investigated the change in IQ scores over time of subjects in classes for the Educable Mentally Handicapped. Analysis indicated a significant difference existed between Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children scores administered at initial placement and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale scores administered later (mean age, 17 years-6 months).…

Argues the advantages of setting up programs for special education students within local schools as an alternative to outside placements and residential institutions. The author details the financial savings of the two-year old program of which he is director and describes adjustments made to better meet students' needs. (JBM)

A questionnaire was developed to assess how parents of a learning disabled child viewed (1) their relationship with school personnel, (2) their child's academic and social progress, and (3) integrated programs involving handicapped and nonhandicapped students. (Author/CL)

Relates the efforts of Miami-Dade Community College in meeting the counseling challenges involved in assessment, course and program placement, developmental studies and accountability. (AYC)

In a question-and-answer format, John Goodlad explains findings of his recent study ("A Place Called School") of 38 schools, including reasons why classroom tone is often emotionally flat and steps that might improve educational quality. Tracking, use of instructional time, and ages for entering and leaving school are also discussed. (PP)

This volume of the Projects for International Education Research (PIER), World Education Series is a study of the structure and content of the education system of Brazil together with a formal set of placement recommendations based upon the author's research. The placement recommendations have been reviewed and officially approved by the National…

This volume of the Projects for International Education Research (PIER), World Education Series is a study of the structure and content of the education system of Taiwan together with a formal set of placement recommendations based upon the authors' research. The placement recommendations have been reviewed and officially approved by the National…

This is a report on the Stanford Bridge Project being conducted through the Maryland Community College Extension to examine policies impacting the high school to community college transition for students. The project analyzes admissions, placement and remediation, transfer, and other policies at two Maryland community colleges. The report shows…

This report is a brief analysis of the criteria states use to determine if there is a disproportionately high or low number of students from a particular racial/ethnic group receiving special education services, assigned to a disability classification, or placed in an educational environment. Recent information indicates that 29 states have…