Compares and contrasts the effects of social structural factors on the size and generation composition, intraethnic stratification, composition of ethnic elites, and degree of articulation with the larger society of Mexican-American communities in three very diverse California towns: Santa Barbara, Fillmore, and Mendota. (Author/SB)

A survey of 264 parents (151 special education and 103 general education) examined parental perceptions and attitudes toward inclusion practices. Quantitative and qualitative analyses revealed that, overall, parents were pleased with the academic and support services their children received and the social aspects of inclusion. Concerns were raised…

Comparison of two matched groups of seven students with severe disabilities (placed in either general education classrooms or special education classes) found that students in the general education placement interacted more frequently with nondisabled peers, provided and received more social support, and had larger networks of peers without…

The Yes I Can Social Inclusion Program fosters the development and maintenance of social relationships of students with and without developmental disabilities by helping them to overcome negative behaviors and increase interpersonal skills. A sample lesson plan is included. Two case studies illustrate the program's effects on socially isolated…

Summarizes research on the benefits of integrating campers with diverse characteristics, and describes the "benefits-based model" of programming, which addresses social problems through recreational activities. Implications for camp administration include recruiting participants and staff from various ethnic and social backgrounds and identifying…

Recounts a classroom exercise in which students examine archaic ethnic slurs aimed at white Europeans (biddy, Dutch bargain). They then consider why these are no longer in use. This leads to a comparison between U.S. immigrant groups of the past and the situation of current minorities. (MJP)

The goals of citizenship education can conflict with values of cultural pluralism. The Canadian government's policy is one of official neutrality and tolerance with respect to cultural differences. The true function of this policy is to ensure that all Canadians can integrate into a shared set of political and civic institutions despite…

A study compared four groups of students with physical disabilities: 53 U.S. integrated students, 14 Czech integrated students, 51 Czech students in special schools, and 66 Czech students in residential special schools. More integrated students reported lower levels of aggression, more positive self-concepts, and more positive views of the world.…

Case studies evaluated the feasibility and benefit of inclusion of two high school students with mental retardation. The transfer of the students from a self-contained class to a regular class was associated with an improvement in classroom work skills; however, social integration was minimal. Teachers evaluated the inclusion as satisfactory.…

Contends that supportive teacher-student relationships can benefit students' social, behavioral, emotional, and academic health. Offers five recommendations for teachers working with adolescents with high incidence disabilities: (1) provide students adult support within school; (2) teach skills for building strong adult relationships; (3) focus on…

This report describes a consultation model that utilizes in-service training and technical assistance to support integrated school placements for students with severe disabilities and serious behavior problems. Follow-up placement information is presented for 33 students receiving services during the 1986 to 1989 school years. (Author/DB)

Examines Mexican Americans' social identities and group political consciousness toward dominant White majority and other ethnic groups. Explores effects of intergroup and intragroup contacts on social and political identity attitudes. Evidence supports relationships among contact types, social identity, and political consciousness. Anglo contact…

The relationship between language use and second culture acquisition is examined in this study of first generation Iranian immigrants and exiles in the United States. The use of both Farsi and English is found to be instrumental in the process by which American culture is incorporated within the Iranian worldview. (AF)

Attitudes of 29 special education teachers, 15 regular teachers, and 78 parents toward an integration program involving two special schools for primary and junior secondary aged moderately and severely intellectually handicapped or developmentally delayed children were assessed. Findings affirmed the need for clear objectives, adequate resources,…

A multi-institutional study of 263 first-time college freshmen investigated the effects on students' social and academic integration of having expectations for college remain unmet. Results are discussed in terms of implications for enrollment management and the linkage of theories concerning college choice and student departure. (Author/MSE)