Under a research and development project entitled Reducing Isolation in the Mainstream, classroom teachers who had hearing impaired or vision impaired students in their classes were recruited to join special educators in investigating how to promote integration of handicapped students. (SBH)

Research dealing with the design of the school physical environment and its effect on stress in students and teachers is examined. The design of both the school's overall environment and the individual classrooom unit may affect student and teacher attitudes and student achievement. (PP)

Reviews current literature--noting limitations--and provides observations regarding the impact on learning of six physical attributes of the Montessori prepared environment: aesthetics, spatial factors, light, noise, color, and temperature. Suggests guidelines for Montessori classrooms. Concludes by asserting that considering these six…