Presents overview of a position statement from the National Association of Early Childhood Specialists in State Departments of Education endorsed by the NAEYC Governing Board regarding entry and placement in kindergarten. Identifies questionable educational practices resulting from trend toward demanding more of kindergarten children. Lists…

This article describes how effective systems of positive behavioral support can be used in alternative educational settings as a means of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention for at-risk and adjudicated youth. Special concerns and specific strategies for this population are discussed across the range of placement alternatives. (Contains…

For a century after compulsory school attendance was introduced, special education in Britain developed along increasingly categorized and segregated lines. The 1978 Warnock Report recommended reversal of these policies. The 1988 Education Reform Act, stressing market forces and measured attainment, may discourage integration of special needs…

This article reviews personality assessment of students with severe emotional disorders (SED) as mandated by the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA). The EHA definition of SED, assessment strategies required by EHA guidelines, functional Individualized Education Plans, and the role of the school psychologist in the process are…

Origins of the criterion of the next environment (CNE) are examined for its continuing applicability to mainstreaming and integration of young disabled children, in light of changes in kindergarten classrooms, commitment to integrated education for all students with disabilities, collaborative partnerships, and instructional support services.…

Parents of 372 visually impaired children in Scotland were surveyed to determine the parents' knowledge of the child's eye condition, educational placement of the child, and registration status as blind or partially sighted. Results indicated that 50 percent of parents were dissatisfied with explanations of their child's visual impairment or…

Discusses the problems for a head of department in organizing first foreign language classes. The merits of ability grouping are briefly analyzed. The mixed ability approach is proposed as most desirable, especially with the use of topic-based as opposed to traditional grammar-based language courses. (Author/LMO)

Interviews with parents of 14 students with disabilities examined the support parents received during their child's transition to an integrated educational placement. Parents consistently expressed satisfaction with integration and professional and personal support received. Parents stressed local school district commitment, an individualized…

A study comparing the educational performance of limited-English-proficient (LEP) and fluent-English-proficient (FEP) Southeast Asian students as a whole with that of other LEP and FEP ethnic groups finds that the five main Indochinese ethnic groups exhibit significant socioeconomic and ethnocultural diversity, impacting on their academic…

This article examines: the under- and over-representation of Asian pupils in British special education programs; assessment problems, particularly those related to language and bilingualism; the relations between Asian parents and school professionals; curriculum issues; and the employment of Asian teachers and professionals in bilingual and…

Describes the College of the Desert (California's) integrated facility that links the following three functions: (1) student assessment and computerized placement testing; (2) remedial instruction in study skills, writing, and math; and (3) research to assess learning gains. (DMM)

Examined are issues surrounding allegations of abuse in independent residential schools in Great Britain. The article focuses on the process of placing students in residential schools, protection of the rights of students, procedures for handling complaints of abuse, and proposed measures which can ensure the rights of students. (Author/JDD)

An introductory editorial essay on responding differently to student differences, the theme of this issue of "Educational Leadership." Addresses problems arising from discrimination and tracking, and cites articles that show how dissimilar students can work together. (TE)

The article provides a definition of the Regular Education Initiative, considers implications for students with mild learning and behavior problems and examines such issues as labeling, assessment, identification, placement, and attitudes in special education. (DB)

This article sees the inclusion movement as leading to the rapid erosion of placement options for students with disabilities and notes that no single classroom can be appropriately, habilitatively restrictive for all children. It suggests that advocates of full inclusion deny realities, rights, and responsibilities involved in constructing the…