A survey of regular and special education teachers, principals, parents, and visually handicapped students (total N=300) indicated the most important factors for successful mainstreaming were a flexible teacher, peer acceptance and interaction, positive self-image, independence, family acceptance, inner motivation, available support personnel, and…

Careful analysis of the instructional materials available for the mainstreamed student is necessary for effective teaching. A checklist for such analysis considers: appropriate objectives; readability; interest level; method of presentation; prerequisites; format; task length, number, and difficulty; criterion level for success; and…

A total of 46 teachers rated observable mild-to-moderate school-related problem behaviors in order to identify aspects of teacher tolerance specific to the elementary classroom. Findings indicated that behaviors least tolerated are other-directed or disruptive; self- or teacher-directed behaviors elicited less negative ratings. (RH)

Survey responses revealed that nonhandicapped students (N=26) more frequently felt that report card grades reflect amount learned and effort expended than did handicapped students (N=24). Interviews with special education students (N=10) and nonhandicapped peers (N=10) indicated acceptance of differentiated requirements for passing grades based on…

The author recounts the transition in Norway from a system with specialized professionals in unique settings to a generically based system dealing with handicapped populations under general programs. Both positive and negative observations are offered, as well as recommendations for combining special services by trained professionals with the…

The responsibilities borne by deaf students, interpreters, classroom teachers, and deaf education teachers which are necessary for mainstreaming to succeed are enumerated. A meeting among all parties early in the school year to review their respective roles and the compilation of a written summary for future reference can promote success. (VW)

Basic assumptions of the Regular Education Initiative (which encourages closer coordination of regular and special education) were examined. The authors assert that students are not overidentified for special education, that student failure is not due only to teacher shortcomings, and that variability in student performance will increase not…

The paper presents the concept of policy analysis, as distinct from policy advocacy, in light of recent proposals to restructure present special and regular education practice with mildly handicapped students. A comprehensive policy analysis to clarify the objectives of the Regular Education Initiative is recommended to assess its impact.…

Evaluation of the Social Integration Program (SIP) which provided mainstream services to 31 preschool handicapped children in Utah during its first three years found that SIP children made significant gains on educational and developmental tests and mastered a high proportion of individualized education program objectives. (Author/DB)

Evaluation of "Concept Diagrams" and a related "Concept Teaching Routine" used in nine secondary school classrooms which included 32 learning-disabled (LD) students, found that teachers successfully selected target concepts and implemented the teaching routine, whereas students (both LD and non-LD) demonstrated gains in concept acquisition,…

The response by a group of special educators to the Regular Education Initiative of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services examines nine assumptions on which the initiative is based and makes recommendations concerning experimentation, replication, implementation, and necessary changes in school organization (such as heavy…

The article critiques the current research base concerning the influence of mainstreaming on the social emotional competence of mildly handicapped children and describes a proposed study emphasizing longitudinal analysis, assessment in multiple environments, and the use of multitrait-multimethod methodologies. (Author/DB)

Normally developing and mildly developmentally delayed preschool-age boys were brought together to form playgroups. Videotapes of the groups and peer sociometric ratings indicated that delayed children had a deficit in peer-related social interactions and were seen as less competent and of lower social status by peers. (PCB)

Current advocacy efforts in learning disabilities (LD) are critiqued and alternatives to traditional special education such as implementing the effective schools research are reviewed. Five objectives of an advocacy blueprint for a pluralist school include increasing public awareness of the LD experience and making integration the centerpiece of…

A survey of affiliates of the Tourette Syndrome Association of Ohio was conducted to document the special problems and needs of the Tourette Syndrome student. Findings indicate that students reported problems similiar to adults and that many students were in need of specialized educational services. Suggestions for dealing more effectively with…