In England, the term 'multi-sensory impairment' (MSI) has come to overlap with other labels, which is problematic for both research and practice. We undertook a scoping review of empirical studies conducted in England over the past 20 years on MSI and overlapping labels. We designed and used a review protocol and combined multiple searching…

The purpose of this paper is to critically analyse research about inclusive education. Prior reviews and the outcome of a recent search of databases are analysed with regard to (a) how inclusion is defined and (b) what empirical knowledge there is regarding factors that make schools and classrooms more inclusive. Our point of departure is that we…

The notion of the continuum is applied to special education in diverse contexts across many nations. This article explores its conceptual underpinnings, drawing on a systematic search of the literature to review recurring ideas associated with the notion and to explicate both its uses and shortcomings. Through a thematic analysis of the…

Social participation of students with special educational needs (SEN) is a key issue in the inclusion debate. However, the meaning of concepts like social integration, social inclusion and social participation used in current literature is often unclear. Recently, these concepts were clarified based on preschool and primary school literature. The…

With special reference to Alabama schools, the authors review the development of the mainstreaming concept and consider some of the attitudinal, definitional, organizational, and regulatory problems inhibiting this reintegration of regular and special education. (SJL)

The paper is a product of the 3-year project, "Functional Mainstreaming for Success," designed to develop a model for instructional mainstreaming of handicapped children (3-6 years old) in community settings. The paper reviews the literature defining "mainstreaming," notes that mainstreaming is not the wholesale return of exceptional students from…

The article reviews trends in litigation, mainstreaming, definition, and adaptive behavior of mildly mentally retarded students. Guidelines are offered for establishing criteria of eligibility for placement in programs for the population. (CL)

Literature is reviewed indicating that programs serving handicapped and nonhandicapped preschool children have been labeled inconsistently, with few attempts to identify specific variables which discriminate program types. Suggested are the terms "integrated special education" (with a high proportion of handicapped) and "mainstreamed" (with a low…

After discussing origins of and recent developments in alternative education, articles on alternative education for emotionally disturbed and delinquent adolescents are reviewed according to trend toward definition and assertion of civil rights of these particular children and trend toward right to free and appropriate education of exceptional…

The paper defines the handicapped student, reviews legislation affecting the handicapped, points out funding for mainstreaming of students, and describes approaches to providing business education to the handicapped. Three broad categories of disability--physical, mental/emotional, and educational--are defined. The mandates of the Education for…

This literature review examined five terms used to describe the inclusion of students with disabilities in general education schools and classrooms. The objective was to determine if these terms have consistent definitions and descriptions. Major journals and texts in education, and position statements and newsletters from special education…

The article briefly examines public policy and practices concerning mainstreaming in the United States, Great Britain, and Australia. Ambiguity in definitions of integration are noted, and proposed definitions are offered which distinguish between full, predominant, partial, and minimal integration. (JW)

Based on a review of day nursery programs for children and families with special needs, this background paper describes the way in which the day nursery system, in Ontario and elsewhere, serves such children and families. The review covered: (1) literature and government legislation and policies related to day nursery services for special needs…

Teachers in 22 First Chance Projects and 110 Head Start Projects responded to a survey focusing on defining preschool mainstreaming, characteristics and social interaction of handicapped and nonhandicapped children, teacher attitudes toward mainstreaming, teacher preparation for mainstreaming, and parent involvement. Results showed that there are…

This review of the literature on mainstreaming students with hearing impairments begins by defining "hearing impairment,""deafness," and "hard of hearing". The paper briefly considers causes of hearing impairments and types of hearing impairments. Suggestions for preparing a class for a student with hearing loss includes having a visible class…