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)

Studied was the adjustment of Israeli high school students in relation to the Repression-Sensitization personality dimension, which concerns the individual's characteristic response to threatening stimuli. Repressors avoid such stimuli; sensitizers approach them. Adjustment was measured by peer acceptance and teacher evaluation scores, both of…

Peer self-concept scores from 86 students (ages 8-18) in four different schools indicate students with identified special needs had significantly lower self-concept scores than did their peers. Measures of teacher negativity (n=40) toward inclusion indicate secondary teachers were more negative toward full inclusion on some measures. (Contains…

Analysis of data on 97 elementary students with and 97 without mild disabilities found that teachers' attitudes toward integration were not related to the social status of students with disabilities. However, teacher and peer perceptions of academic behavior and peer perceptions of disruptive behavior were related to social status for both student…

A naturalistic study of six naturally occurring friendships among preschool-aged children with and without disabilities in inclusive settings was conducted with the children, their parents, and teachers. Data were collected through participant observations and interviews. Descriptive field notes, a fieldwork journal, and transcribed interviews…

The second of two issues addresses topics related to mainstreaming of handicapped children. Considered in nine articles are the following topics: the administrator's role; legal issues involved in the least restrictive environment specification of P.L. 94-142, the Education For All Handicapped Children Act; parents' and teachers' views regarding…

This study compared the perceptions of 227 ninth- and tenth-grade students with learning disabilities in regular and special secondary classrooms. Students' perceptions of their classroom environment and their social competence were assessed. Results showed that students with learning disabilities perceived regular classes as being better…

Examined academic and behavioral problems as a function of two dimensions by which rejection may vary over time: chronicity and temporal proximity. Suggests that all levels of rejection were associated with greater absenteeism from school, and more chronic and proximal experiences of rejection were associated with elevated externalizing behavior…

A study involving 40 typical preschoolers and their mothers found they talked more about children with physical disabilities than those with Down syndrome during a storytelling task, and that children's comments about children with physical disabilities were positively related to teachers' ratings of children's interactions with classmates with…

Thirty students with learning disabilities (LD) in inclusive third-to fifth-grade classrooms and 60 educators were interviewed regarding social support at school. While students with LD felt part of a social network, many reported socially related loneliness. Results indicate a discrepancy between students' and teachers' choices of preferred…

A survey of five teachers of students with visual impairments and 10 students found that teachers spent 4 hour per week in preparing for these students, there was a significant use of transcribers to help prepare the student materials, and students felt reasonably satisfied with their high school experience. (Contains three references.) (CR)

The document contains materials needed to implement Project CHANGE (Concepts of Handicaps and Attitudes Need Guidance and Education), a curriculum designed to improve the attitudes of children in Grades K through 8 toward the disabled. Included are the program manual, assessment instruments, the resource file, and a scope and sequence chart. The…

Nine articles provide perceptions of teachers, administrators, parents, teacher educators, and others on the mainstreaming of handicapped children. In "One Parent's View of Mainstreaming," a parent recounts her son's successful experience. "Justice is Affordable--Securing the Entitlements of PL 94-142" by M. Thompson and R.…

The social/emotional impact of a gifted pullout program (grades 3-5) on participants (N=301) was evaluated through surveys administered to gifted and non-gifted students, staff, and parents. Elitism, social interactions, and peer/teacher expectations were examined. Results suggested either a neutral or supportive effect on program participants.…

Investigation of determinants of 143 intermediate grade children's attitudes and behavioral intentions toward peers with physical disabilities found that the children's own attitudes toward inclusion of peers was the strongest predictor of behavioral intentions, though attitudes of teachers, principals, and parents were also significant…