In sociometric research tradition, popularity is defined as the degree to which children are liked or accepted by their peers. However, research indicates that two definitions of popular students should be distinguished: (1) popular students as those students who are well liked by many and disliked by few peers, and (2) popular students as those…

This study concerns the use of the Friendship Rating Scale, a noncompetitive instrument in which the raters establish hierarchical preferences but without forcing subjects into subordinate positions following higher rating. The FRS is an assessment device for determining the correlation between peer status and academic achievement. (Author/HMV)

The final report describes the 3-year project, "Functional Mainstreaming for Success," designed to develop a model for instructional mainstreaming of 162 handicapped children (3-6 years old) in community settings. The major feature of the project was development of a full reverse mainstreamed preschool program, which included children…

Effects of the label "mentally retarded" and academic competence on 96 low-income sixth-grade children's attitudes toward peers were examined. (Author)

This study of third-grade and fourth-grade children with (n=59) and without (n=57) learning disabilities found that LD students perceived themselves as less competent in the areas of intelligence, academic skills, behavior, and social acceptance. Contrary to expectations, subjects' self-perceptions were not affected by the choice of LD or general…

The influence of self-esteem on the use of status considerations as determinants of interpersonal acceptance was studied for 356 male and 366 female Israeli junior high school students. Results suggest that individuals with high self-esteem may be more likely to see themselves as equals to higher status others. (SLD)

Six case studies investigated the outcomes of inclusive education on six children with mild mental retardation. In five cases, teachers had attempted to modify their programs to provide individualized instruction for high-risk children. All six children made very poor academic progress and five were poorly accepted socially by their classmates.…

The self-concept scores of 50 learning disabled male adolescents (mean age 16.5 years) on the Situation Specific Subject Competence Test for mathematics, English, and physical education were compared with their most recent achievement test performance in these three subject areas. Results suggested that math achievement was positively correlated…

The effectiveness of teachers in identifying children who experience peer relationship difficulties was examined by comparing populations selected by teacher ratings and sociometric nomination procedures. Results revealed teachers were successful in identifying those who experienced the most severe peer rejection and were most likely to select…

A study investigated the relationship between children's communication competence and perceptions of communication abilities, academic performance, and social status. Subjects were 36 children in fifth and sixth grades. The subjects completed a 30-item questionnaire on perceptions of themselves and their classmates along 3 factors: academic…

Students who are the target of bullying episodes commonly suffer serious, long-term academic, physical, and emotional consequences. Unfortunately, school personnel often minimize, underestimate, tolerate, or ignore the extent of bullying and the harm it can cause. This digest examines the problem of bullying and some of its effects, and discusses…

Argues that regular class placement is inappropriate for the special student because (l) regular classes are too competitive; (2) rejection by other students may occur; and (3) the regular class teacher lacks the necessary special training and support. Suggests upgrading special classes and seeking other methods of integrating students. (SJL)

This study examined effects of achievement on the peer status of Mexican American elementary students (n=43) with learning disabilities (LD) in academic and play contexts. Mexican American students with LD received significantly lower sociometric scores than low-achieving nondisabled Mexican American peers even in classrooms where all students…