A study examined perceptions of 26 teachers, including 13 special educators, of the Peer Buddy Programs implemented in a Nashville school district. Teachers reported positive relationships between buddies and their partners with disabilities and enhanced personal growth for students with disabilities. The majority agreed buddies assisted in a…

The social status of 1,053 middle-school students was investigated. Students with learning disabilities received lower scores on teacher rating scales and a self-rating questionnaire, and received more negative and fewer positive votes on a peer survey. For all students, attractiveness and athletic ability highly correlated with positive peer…

When schoolchildren are harassed by peers, it sometimes is necessary to seek help from a teacher. However, students and teachers may have a different sense of when it is necessary. The authors investigated students' perceptions of harassment and help seeking, examining whether students' perceptions are related to popularity and whether perceptions…

Research evidence from several educational systems indicates that students with developmental disabilities who exhibit challenging behaviors are in the bottom of the agenda as candidates for inclusion. The present investigation of the perspectives of 85 Greek teachers in primary education indicates that they are in need of training that it will…

The study compared the adjustment to regular classes (in New Zealand) of eight 6- and 7-year-old children with Down Syndrome (DS) with that of 24 children rated by their eight teachers as being the "three least competent children in the class." The study evaluated teacher attitudes, social participation on the playground, and…

The purpose of this study was to design an intervention strategy, including role-playing techniques and activities, and to train teachers in their use in the classroom in order to improve the social status of socially rejected children. Other objectives were to change teachers' and peers' perceptions of the rejected children as well as to change…

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)

Constructed and administered self-report instruments measuring self-perceived social impact and social preference of male and female high school students (N=115). Teachers identified youths thought to fit categories of popular, amiable, isolated or rejected students. Concluded self-report and teacher nominations are unrelated assessments of…

This survey of 125 parents and 95 teachers of typically developing children found that respondents perceived important benefits accruing to these children because of their involvement in preschool and kindergarten classes with students with disabilities. The specific nature of benefits centered on changes in social cognition, prosocial personal…

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between children's difficulties (conduct problems, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and emotional symptoms) and peer victimization and rejection in kindergarten. For the assessment of children's difficulties, the authors used a multi-informant approach. Method: A total of 153…

The second year of a 2-year study on the benefits of using handicapped students to tutor nonhandicapped peers focused on the effects of having all students in a special class tutor simultaneously (the total class tutoring method). Forty intellectually handicapped students (IQs ranging from 50 to 75) tutored 60 nonhandicapped agemates in basic sign…

Acceptance of handicapped students by their peers is a major component of success in the mainstreamed classroom. How teachers plan for interactions and lessons determines the degree to which social acceptance is achieved. The teacher's behavior models desired social acceptance, and the structure of learning activities evidence academic…

The paper outlines a theoretical framework through which teacher attitudes may be viewed, then examines research and literature on the public's, peers', and teachers' attitudes toward handicapped populations. The practical application of the theoretical considerations and strategies for insuring positive teacher attitudes are offered. Among the…

Reviews research pertaining to the feelings professionals and peers have about learning disabled children, and factors important for consideration when attempting to modify these perceptions. Discusses planning strategies, modifying peer interactions, and parent attitudes and training. (Author/RC)

Combined teacher ratings of perceived cognitive competence and misbehavior accounted for the most variance in peer acceptance or rejection of educable mentally handicapped children. Ratings of academic competence were associated with both acceptance and rejection of educationally handicapped children (a category of low achievers used in…