A study of the attitudes of 821 secondary-level students in British Columbia (Canada) found that the majority supported mainstreaming of handicapped students in their classes, females were more positive than males, older students were more positive than younger students, and physical contact with handicapped students did not automatically lead to…

Many educators are unsure about how to respond to gay issues at the elementary and middle school levels. It has been found that by third grade almost all children have been exposed to some information and misinformation about gay people. If schools are serious about preparing students for the diversity in our communities, preventing violence, and…

This study evaluated two social skills interventions designed to increase the peer acceptance of six students (ages 10-12) with learning disabilities in regular classrooms. The students were instructed in two social skills strategies as well as in skills for working in small groups and leading group activities. Two mnemonic devices were used to…

Designed for junior high school counselors, the guide offers an outline for facilitating group counseling sessions. Intended to be held one class period a week for eight weeks, the sessions aim toward potential improvement in self-esteem, personal relationships, peer understanding, self-awareness, academic performance, and social skills. Each…

This handbook was developed for teachers with hearing impaired students in their regular classrooms. A preliminary discussion on hearing impairments describes various degrees of aural handicaps, ranging from deafness to hard of hearing, and communication methods used in educating children with these handicaps. Activities for preparing…

The basis for socially mainstreaming handicapped children as well as changing attitudes toward the handicapped are discussed; and a list of teaching activities and resources for introducing students to the mentally retarded, the visually impaired, the physically handicapped, the hearing impaired, and the learning disabled is presented. A summary…

Reviews recent literature which has investigated the interaction between learning disabled adolescents' self-concept and academic, peer family, and community systems. A unique behavioral pattern of emotional disturbance may result from continuous, negative self-concept experiences. In the family and/or community, however, these students can be…

The competitive structure in which most children are taught to play is responsible for problems associated with stress. Athletic performance is important in how the child is perceived by peers and adults. Children who perceive themselves as inadequate at sports often feel low self-confidence and low self-esteem. (JN)

Using sociometric ratings, both male and female adolescent deaf students (N=144) were found to exhibit a marked peer preference for female students. White students rated same-race students higher than they rated minority students, while minority students showed no significant difference in ratings for White and minority students. (Author/JDD)

This article suggests specific strategies to prevent rejection and isolation and encourage interactions when students with disabilities are integrated into general education classes. Teachers are encouraged to foster proximity, teach peer support and friendship skills, foster respect for individual differences, and provide a positive model. (DB)

This article addresses effective techniques for teaching students with emotional disturbances and/or behavior disorders in group settings. Three stages of group development are described with specific teaching strategies for each stage identified and related to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, including needs for safety and trust, belonging and…

This study examined the social competency of at-risk kindergarten students as they demonstrated the need to establish social communities in order to increase group motivation and peer learning. The study explores the patterns of behaviors that these children demonstrate in order to form social communities, explores the purpose behind their need to…

Classroom ideas and resource information for teachers in the areas of visual, hearing, and mobility impairments; developmental handicaps; and mental illness are presented. For each disability three topics of discussion are introduced to help the student understand individuals who have the disability. The first discussion area deals with the…

This module (part of a series of 24 modules) is on accommodating exceptional students in the regular classroom. The genesis of these materials is in the 10 "clusters of capabilities," outlined in the paper, "A Common Body of Practice for Teachers: The Challenge of Public Law 94-142 to Teacher Education." These clusters form the…

Two part-time faculty members and two full-time faculty members express their personal and professional concerns and attitudes about the trend toward increased and prolonged use of temporary and part-time faculty employment by institutions. (MSE)