Evidence from two school systems whose ability grouping and tracking systems were scrutinized in 1993 in conjunction with school desegregation cases demonstrates how grouping practices can create within-school segregation that discriminates against black and Latino students. In both cases, grouping practices created a cycle of restricted…

Examines patterns associated with placement and subsequent discharge of rural children in emergency shelter care. Suggests that the growing numbers of children being placed out of their homes, runaway adolescents, and homeless children, underscore the importance of identifying children likely to be referred for emergency services, as those…

Examines effects of tracking in high schools under different structural settings (selectivity, electivity, inclusiveness, and scope), using data for 20,762 students in 805 public and 78 Catholic high schools. Schools vary significantly in the magnitude of track effects on mathematics and verbal achievement. Catholic schools' tracking structures…

Ten first grade teachers completed rating scales for 39 at-risk students. Analysis suggested that teacher recommendations for special needs placement were strongly related to student academic functioning, modestly related to student emotional development, and not significantly related to student social and behavioral competence. (Author/JDD)

This survey found that regular education teachers (n=312) felt that friendships between students with and without disabilities are possible, should be facilitated by adults, and are beneficial to all students. The survey also identified educational settings in which friendship, functional life skill, and academic skill development were most likely…

Analysis of Canadian provincial educational legislation and case law relevant to the rights of students with disabilities yielded 15 key rights encompassing such areas as free nondiscriminatory public education, barrier-free access, identification and placement, appeal, appropriate education and special education services, and parent…

This study of students in grades 3-6 found that, for learning-disabled students in self-contained placements, subjects' perception of maternal and paternal acceptance plus subjects' academic achievement accounted for 58 percent of variance in subjects' self-esteem. These variables were not significantly correlated with the self-esteem of…

School authorities need to be aware of various sources of federal law coverage on requirements for limited-English-speaking children suspected of needing special education. The overall thrusts of the law are to avoid "overinclusion," and, for those students properly identified, to provide bilingual special education. (51 references) (MLF)

Principals must ensure that school climate promotes acceptance of all races and cultures and discourages racial slurs, jokes, and other acts of bias and discrimination. An Ontario (Canada) school district has developed a comprehensive race relations policy governing six areas: incidents of expressed bias and discrimination, student assessment and…

Survey results from cohorts of 511 and 222 gifted and accelerated students surveyed at ages 13, 18, and 23 years and a subset of 73 students indicate that students generally express positive feelings about acceleration. Nonintellectual personal attributes commonly used to select students for acceleration may be inappropriately used. (SLD)

A survey of 121 undergraduate and graduate social work students and 96 field instructors found that many students had experienced verbal and physical abuse and that most instructors had experienced verbal abuse and physical violence. Although students received some instruction on safety, practicum agencies often had no safety policies. Curriculum…

A study in Victoria (Australia) investigated integration of students with severe intellectual disabilities into three educational settings. It was found that, although these students are better integrated in Victoria than in the United Kingdom or United States, integration has proceeded with inadequate support services, particularly professional…

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 1997 amendments that are important to rural schools are funding compliance requirements, changes in identification and evaluation of students with disabilities, and qualitative standards for providing special education and related services. Guidelines resulting from court decisions are presented…

Provides a brief overview of Japanese high school students in terms of 1995 post-school destinations and types of jobs obtained. Describes the school-based job referral process that systematically regulates job distribution for high school graduates, including high school-employer networks and guidance for students in employment-related…

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services has issued policy guidance on educating students with visual impairments. The application of the free appropriate public education requirements, least restrictive environment and placement requirements, and procedural safeguards in federal statutes are discussed. (CR)