The University of Hawaii Department of Special Education conducted the Preschool Preparation and Transition Project, a federally funded demonstration program, to support families and their children with special needs in the transition from infant programs to least restrictive preschool placements. The program addressed this goal through three…

Describes an African-American parent's efforts to ensure that her daughter be treated fairly in a second grade classroom. Because some teachers mistakenly believe that African-American children are not capable of performing well in the classroom, these teachers may inadvertently convey lower expectations and damage African-American students'…

The mother of a gifted daughter advises parents that they can provide a rewarding educational experience for their children by searching for professionals who offer guidance and support, locating a responsive school, choosing activities that showcase the child's talent, not accepting stereotyping of the child, locating special programs, and…

This article describes mainstreaming efforts at an East Sussex (England) school serving students with physical disabilities but no major learning impairments. Mainstreaming students into their local schools involved parental support, preparation of mainstream schools, multidisciplinary support networks, and a carefully implemented transfer…

Results of the Modern Language Association's 1987-89 survey of characteristics of college and university curricula are presented. Survey questions dealt with characteristics of introductory language courses, the availability and range of immersion experiences, and the types of courses offered. (four references) (VWL)

Rural students (n=654) with disabilities from preschool through secondary school were analyzed to determine the incidence of and factors involved in categorical or programing changes. Rates of change varied significantly among classifications; and the student's initial classification, grade level, and comorbidity were predictive of change in…

A study undertaken in preparation for reforming the Belgian educational system investigated aspects of educational policy and administration in England, France, and Germany, including curriculum design and content, broad educational aims, student placement and tracking, competition among schools, academic standards, and institutional autonomy vs.…

Compares the events leading to the contrasting educational policies that apply to the placement of language minority students in Britain and the United States. The supportive institutional structures of these policies are examined, and the ways these differences reflect contrasting assumptions about language development and definitions of equality…

The validity of using readiness tests for placing children in regular or 2-year kindergarten programs was studied in 9 Virginia school districts with a total enrollment of 17,662 in 1986-87. Four tests were evaluated; none were impressive predictors of performance on tests administered at the end of kindergarten. (SLD)

This article discusses arguments for and against ability grouping as reflected in the literature and research work. Such tracking problems as segregation, stigma, and elitism are discussed, as are between-class vs. within-class grouping strategies and specifically designed programs for the gifted. (PB)

Investigates predictors of Korean student's choice of science track (n=665). It was concluded that attitude toward science track influences the intentions of the students. (PR)

Identifies the various types of costs that can result from the implementation of inclusive schooling in a school district so that the costs can be known and allowed for during the planning stage. (MLF)

In examining the continuing problem of the disproportionate number of minority students in special education, this article urges implementation of experimentally validated interventions including: (1) early detection, primary interventions, and prereferral procedures and (2) academic as well as social competence, resiliency, and self-determination…

Examines the viability of replacing the conventional placement testing in mathematics with a self-assessment strategy. Describes a study of 63 adult students who completed one of two self-assessment inventories and a mathematics placement test. Found that there is a positive relationship between information provided by students on the…

This seven-year case study describes a young woman with moderate to severe disabilities and her use of literacy during various stages of her educational career, after receiving special education in a self-contained special-education class, and after receiving services in a general-education setting. (Author/CR)