A comparative analysis of 10 primary and 10 secondary schools found relationships between school policy toward children with learning problems (either encouraging mainstreaming or separate classes) and other aspects of school functioning, including educational philosophy, approach to handicap identification, and degree of communication between the…

Presents study results adapting a social studies textbook to hypermedia format. Discusses study guides intended to increase the amount of instructional time for students, create a system offering curriculum enhancement and access, and decrease demands on teacher time. Concludes that hypermedia is as effective as lecture, especially for remedial…

Social skills training with a 12-year-old mainstreamed trainable mentally handicapped student resulted in improved eye contact, greeting of peers, and use of appropriate voice level. Perceptions of peers changed, but their interaction with the student did not change. (Author/DB)

Addresses the importance of family-school collaboration, with emphasis on the changing nature of families in the United States; the understanding and practice of collaboration wherein all of the parties are equal partners; exemplary family-school collaborative models; and implications for practitioners. (SM)

Tennessee data were analyzed for four years before and five years after the funding formula for special education was changed from a "flat" rate to a "weighted" formula. The weighted formula was associated with a statistically significant decrease in less restrictive placements and a reliable increase in more restrictive…

Examines ramifications of special class placement on the self-concept of learning-disabled children. Results reveal a strong link between learning disabilities and low self-concept. Three kinds of effects of special class placement on self-concept and certain sex differences are indicated. (Author/BB)

This article discusses changes in classroom instruction necessary to fully realize the Regular Education Initiative. A combination of preventive, continuous, and supplementary programs is suggested and illustrated in Success for All, a program designed to bring all students to grade level in basic skills by the third grade without pull-outs.…

The organizational model used in American schools must be scrutinized to determine its effectiveness in the face of the changing demographics of American schools. Transforming the schools depends on social and attitudinal changes that incorporate political changes directed at social problems. (SLD)

Develops an overview of the issues surrounding the inclusion of special education students in regular classes, and reframes the debate as an issue of social justice that states that separate education of special education students is not only unequal but is also detrimental to the development of all students. (SLD)

This study examined potential conflicts between expectations of receiving teachers in community schools and the behaviors of elementary students moving from a psychiatric treatment facility. Students had been using the AIMS (Assessments for Integration into Mainstream Settings) system. Potential conflicts in the areas of adaptability,…

Discusses the impact of socioeconomic and demographic changes on rural schools and their need for new inclusive strategies. Identifies five principles for planning inclusive strategies: collaboration; family-centered and community-based schooling; programs and learning environments that match student needs; meeting public standards; and…

Urges Catholic educators to reacquaint themselves with the church's doctrines of access and inclusion, and to increase their efforts to involve disabled persons in their programs. (YKH)

Describes an experience-based teacher-education program at Queen's University (Ontario), including the program's theoretical background and its emphasis on inclusion of special-needs children. Two case studies prepared by teachers from their 14-week practicum experiences are presented. (DB)

Describes the experiences of two faculty members at two different universities who attempted to restructure the typical "mainstreaming" course for regular educators from one that provides an overview of various disabilities to one that provides strategies that build on holistic, authentic instructional approaches and adaptations appropriate for…

This study compared three levels of inclusion (special education only, integrated special education, and mainstream placements) on the cognitive and language development of 66 preschool children with disabilities. Analysis of pre- to postgains revealed that integrated special education produced gains that significantly exceeded the rate of normal…