A token reinforcement program was successful not only in promoting positive behavior changes in a mainstreamed behavior problem second grader but also in creating attitude changes in her regular class teachers. Findings suggest that positive commitments to mainstreaming were related to the teacher's effectiveness in improving students'…

The parent of a nonhandicapped young child describes how his daughter gained in social skills and understanding by serving as a model child in a preschool program for handicapped children. (CL)

The article presents a checklist for determining the extent of integration of severely handicapped students into regular school environments. The 14 item list is explained to be useful in identifying environments (such as the cafeteria, assembly programs, recess, and school hallways) in which integration of severely handicapped students should be…

The study investigated six inferential measures of attention with 140 Ss, eight to 12 years old (with 14 learning disabled and 14 nondisabled Ss at each age level). Results indicated the measures did not consistently identify learning disabled students and did not predict classroom attending behavior. (Author/MC)

Extends the rationale for integrating handicapped with nonhandicapped children to include the mainstreaming of infants in group care programs. (RH)

Discusses a study of the efficacy of mainstreaming. The goal of the study was to see what actually went on in schools, how people thought about mainstreaming, what they did about it, and how teachers, administrators, and students experienced it. (JOW)

The peer tutoring program was initiated at the Belle Vue (Florida) Middle School as an effective way of bringing autistic students into contact with the mainstream. (SW)

Teachers can provide a variety of enrichment materials to challenge the mathematically gifted child in the regular elementary classroom. (Author/SW)

The experiment investigated whether free reading in the regular classroom, as opposed to remaining in the resource center, could serve as an effective reinforcer for a hearing impaired 12 year old. (SB)

A study was made of six special units for children with special needs in secondary schools with emphasis on the relationship of the units to the main school and the organizational and curricular issues which arise in promoting integration. Staff and pupils benefit from the units, and students with varied disabilities are better integrated as a…

The evolution of terms, including disability labels in special education, is traced from a social and legal context. The educational implications of the concept of least restrictive environment, and specifically its difficulties when applied to severely/profoundly retarded students, are noted. (CL)

Summarizes 60 characteristics of effective instruction for gifted students that can be provided in the regular classroom. These characteristics include six general categories or areas of "need": individualizing basic instruction, appropriate enrichment, effective acceleration, independence and self-direction, personal and social growth, and career…

Three articles comprise a section on personnel preparation in vocational education. Articles deal with two inservice programs in career/vocational education for the handicapped and a project to train paraprofessionals to assist special educators in vocational education. (CL)

Presents practical educational practices that can assist the elementary school principal in being an effective manager of mainstream programs. Suggests principals must exhibit competence, know about special services for the handicapped, and interface the needs of their staffs with the needs of their students. (NEC)

Describes a program to phase a special needs student into the vocational training program and later to make a transition to community-based placements. A class in reprographics is used as an example. Discusses curriculum and student placement and follow-up. (CT)