During the early years of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the courts generally deferred to school officials on least restrictive environment (LRE) matters and ruled in favor of more restrictive placements. Recent cases may signal that the courts may be growing impatient with school officials for not providing less…

Elementary students (n=150) with learning disabilities were interviewed regarding their preferences for special education service delivery. Students (who were all currently receiving pull-out services) preferred receiving extra help in the special education class from the special education teacher. Students' preferences were not related to age,…

Inclusive education for students with disabilities is consistent with educational reform principles emphasizing high standards for all students, specified outcomes, authentic assessment systems, interdisciplinary teaching teams, and school organizational modifications supporting reform. In one Missouri junior high school, special education…

This article explores the effects of the integration movement on the placement of preschoolers with disabilities and describes the effects of integration and developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) methodology on assessment and instructional practices. The paper concludes that programs following the DAP guidelines can be adapted to promote…

Analysis of survey responses from 33 residential schools for the blind found that 45% of students were classified as without other disabilities, 39% of graduates went on to college, 49% were in grade 8 or lower, over 30% of students were day students, and most schools provide mainstreaming opportunities (particularly during high school). (DB)

This study explored psychosocial diversity of two groups of gifted adolescents: those who feel different from their nongifted peers (n=379), and those who do not (n=94). Comparisons between groups on demographic variables, perceptions of self and other students, and school behavior showed the latter group manifesting greater desire for social…

Examines the implications of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the role of developmentally appropriate practice when insuring the safe inclusion of children with disabilities in play environments. Discusses four principles that should guide the creation of safe, inclusive play environments: safety; developmentally appropriate practice;…

Describes a British outdoor program in which 11- and 12-year-old students were placed in mixed groups containing several ethnic groups and hearing and deaf children. Includes children's comments on outdoor activities, their relationships with other children, and communication problems and their resolution. An adjacent page illustrates 12 British…

This paper examines the basic tenets of the 1968 blueprint for change offered by Lloyd Dunn, which outlined a progressive plan to improve special education for students labeled as slow learners and educable mentally retarded. Current extensions of the blueprint are offered along with a rationale for including those students with extensive support…

This paper offers a rationale for modifying textbooks for secondary students with learning disabilities who are taught in general education classes. Recent research on the uses of study guides, graphic organizers, vocabulary drills, and computer-assisted instruction is reviewed, and guidelines for selecting appropriate uses of these strategies are…

Reviews three books: (1) "Special Educational Needs in Schools" (Sally Beveridge), concerning the education of special needs children in Britain; (2) "Class Management" (E.C. Wragg), one of a series of practical resource books for primary school teachers; and (3) "Teaching Music in the Primary School" (Joanna Glover…

Reviews research concerning barriers to and benefits of integrating young children with disabilities into regular preschool programs. Discusses the effects of integrated programs on children without disabilities, critical integration issues, activity-based intervention, and implications of integrated programs. (BB)

Six dimensions of consultative services in early intervention for young children with disabilities are described: location, presence of other children, adult-child initiations, goal functionality, context of intervention, and consultant's role. A continuum of consultative models from totally segregated to fully integrated is presented, and data on…

This study assessed the relationship between attitudes and attributes (teaching assignment, teaching level, adapted physical education coursework, special education coursework, years teaching students with disabilities, quality of teaching experience, and perceived competence) of 150 physical education teachers. Most teachers did not believe…

Comparison of hearing (n=222) and deaf (n=217) young adults on employment, independent living, and social experience outcomes found that the hearing group was generally more successful than deaf persons from mainstream or residential schools. Gender differences did not uniformly favor men. Suggestions for improving transition programs for the deaf…