Historically, the approach to physical activity for people with disabilities has been couched in medical rationale and focused on rehabilitation. This does not account for physical activity for the joy of it as in play, exercise to improve or maintain fitness, or activity required in employment. The new paradigm of healthy, active lifestyles for…

This study examined the perceptions of preservice teachers tutoring non-native English speakers in a local public school. A group of 14 predominantly female preservice teachers participated, nine white and five Hispanic. Participants completed interviews asking about their tutoring experiences. Results found two common themes: most participants…

Describes visual arts program, developed in Kitchener, Ontario (Canada), tested by two Special Education teachers with a combined class of 14 (13 boys, 1 girl) learning disabled/behavioral adjustment children, which seeks to develop positive self-concept, increase organizational skills, improve listening skills, increase ability to follow sequence…

The director of Boston University's Disabled Student Services shows how institutions can offer equal access to handicapped students through coordinated campus services. Three types of services that a campus office can help assure are: preadmission inquiries and visits, auxiliary aids, and access to recreational activities. (Author/JMD)

Provides a succinct and useful overview to arguments, pro and con, concerning ability grouping for students. Briefly summarizes the research for and against heterogenous grouping, noting that most of the research is focused on very narrow and specific applications. Argues for an open-minded and flexible approach. (MJP)

This article considers current educational trends that may undermine the service delivery system for individuals with severe learning disabilities, including influence of terminology, teacher-training models, full inclusion, curriculum-based assessment, reliance on quantitative decision making, adherence to singular teaching methodologies, and…

A team teaching approach was implemented by a regular and a special educator in a kindergarten class to facilitate social integration of 7 children with hearing losses and their 17 hearing peers. Social integration occurred, with the hearing children developing sign language skills and a positive acceptance of their peers with hearing impairments.…

This study examined computerized classwide applications of curriculum-based measurement (CBM) to improve teachers' math planning within large group instructional settings, using a mathematics operations curriculum in 10 sixth grade classes. Preliminary findings suggest CBM increases teachers' abilities to incorporate students with disabilities…

A 25-item Likert-type survey constructed to measure teachers' attitudes toward mainstreaming was analyzed using item response theory (IRT) and confirmatory factor analysis with responses of 917 Canadian teachers. A three-factor model fit the data well. Both factor scores and IRT scores can be used in discriminant analyses. (SLD)

Discusses a study which examined state use of prereferral intervention for students with handicaps, determining whether specialized training in prereferral is provided in states promoting it. Survey results indicated that 34 state education agencies promoted prereferral intervention, and 49 percent of those implementing it were trained in…

Study monitored teacher questioning behavior within mainstreamed middle school social studies and science classrooms at teacher-to-group and teacher-to-student levels. At the group level, teacher questioning behavior was similar across both classes. At the individual level, content interacted with student and question types to produce different…

Examines how classroom teachers have been prepared to teach students with disabilities and presents a reconceptualized approach to preparing educators to meet the needs of special students through educational partnerships. The article describes such an approach at the University of Utah's Graduate School of Education. (SM)

This study interviewed 50 Canadian deaf adults concerning their observations and experiences as former students in mainstreamed schools and their transition to adult life. Results are summarized for six areas: (1) support services, (2) transition into adult education, (3) transition into the world of work, (4) socialization or alienation, (5)…

Examines definitions of inclusion, mainstreaming, and integration, focusing on developments within the United States. Reviews legislation leading to inclusion, the debate about use of inclusion in early-childhood special education, and the rationale and research supporting inclusion. Describes factors necessary for successful inclusion, including…

This study evaluated an in-class service model for third graders at risk of school failure in 13 schools. The model included collaborative consultation, cooperative teaching, parent involvement, and strategic and adapted instruction. Significant effects were found on writing scores for students at risk (but not students with learning disabilities)…