This study of 18 preschoolers' conversational responsiveness in an integrated classroom setting during free play found that language-impaired and speech-impaired children were ignored by their peers and responded less often when a peer initiated to them. Results suggest that peer interaction difficulties may be concomitant consequences of early…

Surveyed 13 special education teachers to examine effects of disabled adolescents' active participation in service learning. Found promising results for students with mild disabilities in attendance and academic skills and for adolescents with moderate to profound disabilities in socialization and relationships with nondisabled peers. (Author/NB)

Sixty preschool children (30 deaf and hard of hearing, 30 hearing) were observed in their integrated school during learning center activities and outdoor play. Half experienced auditory communication and half total communication modes. Although all children preferred to play and communicate with same-hearing status children, 63% did communicate…

Social structures of home, school, and community environments that impact the types of peer relationships formed, types of activities friends engage in, and depth of interactions of children and adolescents with behavior disorders are discussed. (DB)

High school students (n=554) were surveyed about their experiences of school violence and feelings of safety. Students with behavioral disorders or learning difficulties attending an opportunity class or a special day class experienced higher rates of bullying than other students. Feelings of safety were related to experiences of violence and…

This study examined 236 8-year olds from a state with minimal child care standards in an effort to discover possible differences associated with child care histories. Children with more extensive child care experiences were associated with negative ratings by parents, teachers, and peers. (SH)

Outlines the particular stresses experienced by gifted children arising from the unrealistic expectations of parents and teachers, social handicaps, poor peer relationships, and boring and unrewarding school work. Explains five main "gripes" collected from interviews with gifted and talented children. Lists recommendations for teachers.…

The social participation patterns of 28 young children with visual impairments (some with additional disabilities) during free-play periods was compared across specialized and integrated settings. Although no significant differences were found between settings, there were significant differences between children with and without additional…

The effectiveness of peer-mediated intervention on the social behavior of eight socially withdrawn preschoolers was examined. Intervention conducted by classroom assistants resulted in the withdrawn preschoolers increasing their social interactions with peers during instructional triads and improving their behavior. (Author/JDD)

This commentary on EC 606 262 (a study on the effectiveness of peer-mediated intervention on the social behavior of eight socially withdrawn preschoolers) emphasizes the importance of assessing multiple measures of integration, the need to implement research in real world settings, and the need for research on enhancing generalization and…

Found that, contrary to prevailing assumptions, parents retain a notable but indirect influence over their child's peer associates during adolescence. Specific parenting practices, such as monitoring, encouragement of achievement, and joint decision making, were significantly associated with specific adolescent behaviors, such as academic…

In 1987, Connecticut Department of Education initiated the CORE Institute to administer its Cooperating Teacher and the Beginning Educator Support Teacher Program. Although findings of a state program evaluation survey were positive, a subsequent case study of the cooperating teacher/student teacher relationship disclosed possible difficulties…

Fourteen male and 14 female gifted and 14 male and 14 female nongifted adolescents completed questionnaires about intimacy with the closest same-sex friend and attachment style. Results suggest that gifted adolescents may have a stronger instrumental orientation than others, something that does not give them an advantage in friendship in…

An awareness-raising program to enhance secondary students' appreciation and understanding of common disabilities is described. In addition to guest speakers, selected regular education students simulated vision, speech, cognitive, hearing and mobility impairments. Equipment used, procedures, student responses, and reactions from the student body…

Two boys (ages 6 and 15) with severe, multiple handicaps participated in social play activities with 10 nonhandicapped fifth graders, who had been trained on interaction with socially withdrawn children. Increases in all participants' socially directed behavior were observed. Both boys with handicaps increased targeted motor responses when…