A survey of 219 Ohio State University students before and after freshman year investigated the relationship between retention and changes in freshman perspectives on social and academic issues. Results indicate faculty contact may play a significant role in student attitudes but may not affect retention. Retention may be only indirectly related to…

Describes how teachers in Alaska are using the Natural Support Matrix and Cooperative Learning Planning System to fully include junior high students with disabilities. The model involves collaborative teaming by teachers, development of a student's individual natural support matrix which correlates general and special education services with the…

In a small Mexican town with a sizeable English-speaking population and bilingual schools, some native Spanish speakers develop native-like proficiency in English. Interviews found that the only Spanish speakers acquiring much English attended bilingual schools and frequently had close friendships with native English speakers and favorable…

The status of higher education provided to the francophone minority outside Quebec is examined, including accessibility of French-language institutions, francophone assimilation, and the effects of bilingual institutions on francophones. Research on these issues are summarized, and experiences with French-language schools in Alberta are discussed.…

Concern about potential disruption by Latino gang members in East Los Angeles (California) high schools results in over-emphasis on classroom control and neglect of these students' academic and social development. This study recommends steps to encourage the integration and participation in schooling of gang members through individualized…

Research based on data from comparative study of eight public housing developments. Findings illustrate that deconcentration of public housing provides some benefits for low-income, single-parent households. Results tend to support claims of both proponents and opponents of deconcentration. Implications for management of public housing are…

The expectation that acculturation is the path to social mobility for immigrants is contradicted by a number of empirical studies. A closer look, however, shows that the process has not changed entirely but has become segmented. The sector to which an immigrant group assimilates has become the central issue. (SLD)

A study of the transition from high school to university of 16 freshman track and field athletes investigated academic, athletic, and social aspects. Student challenges included feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities, loneliness, and need to balance freedom and responsibility. Students used two main strategies to maintain perspective: (1) time…

The corruption of education values and the destruction of an outstanding educational system for children with mental retardation during Nazi rule in Germany necessitated a complete revamping after World War II. In its redevelopment, Germany resumed the practice of segregation and was slow to embrace social integration as adopted in other…

Describes and interprets some events associated with the demographic and economic restructuring that has occurred in Flushing (New York). The introduction of Asian capital and enterprise has revitalized a previously ailing economy and sluggish housing market. Conflicts associated with this process are explored. (SLD)

This study presents cross-tabulations of educational placement variables by demographic characteristics for subgroups of the deaf and hard-of-hearing population (n=40,518). Variables include type of school, amount of academic integration with hearing students, number of hearing-impaired students, degree of hearing loss, age, ethnic and racial…

Considers how institutions can retain minority group students (MGSs) and ensure that they obtain degrees. Discusses traits identified in the literature that affect MGSs' social integration, including student/student interactions, satisfaction with college life, social isolation, social support, and self-esteem. Institutions must meet students'…

Drawing on surveys of Peruvians, a discussion of Peruvian university education looks at how realistic students' expectations of the economic benefits of university attendance are. Differences in perceptions among ethnic groups (Spanish-speaking and Quechua-speaking) were examined, and implications for social integration in such a society are…

Play-skills training, provided to eight Zambian elementary children with intellectual disabilities, resulted in more substantial increases in interaction between subjects and nondisabled children when coupled with teacher prompts, compared to training alone. Having a nondisabled child take the initiator role increased and maintained social…

A Queensland (Australia) interview survey of 19 rural and 31 urban individuals over 50 years of age with mild or moderate intellectual disability is reported. Results are reported for both groups in terms of access to and participation in community activities, self-care and independence, health problems, and economic situation. (DB)