The guest editorial by W. Cruickshank criticizes as facile the assumption that the least restrictive environment for learning disabled children is a regular classroom. (GW)

The study examined changes over 3 years in self-esteem and perception of ability in 75 children in regular classes and special education classes. Findings indicated that 68 learning disabled or educable retarded children in special education classes experienced greater gains in self-esteem and perception of ability scores than Ss in regular…

The study examined the social status of 43 elementary grade learning disabled (LD) students who, though based in special classes, joined regular classes up to 18 periods per week. Findings indicated both lower acceptance and lower rejection, suggesting that the LD students are simply not known to their regular class peers. (Author/DB)

The self concept of 386 minimally brain damaged (8-16 years) in special classes was compared with that of 96 children with similar disabilities who were in regular classes. (Author/CL)

The study examined the ability of intellectual, achievement, and behavioral data to predict placement of 95 learning disabled students (ages 7 to 15) into a special program. Only 27-33 percent of the variance was accounted for by the battery of assessment instruments in student placement decisions. (Author/DB)

The author traces efforts to define and redefine learning disabilities (LD). The inclusion of children in LD classes who do not meet requirements of the definition is seen as a common yet dangerous practice. (CL)

The effect of 1 or 2 year special class placement on academic achievement and intellectual functioning of 28 learning disabled children (8 to 11 years old) was investigated. The number of years in a self-contained class significantly affected arithmetic achievement. (Author)

The program was developed to minimize classroom disruptions which often occur when a behavior problem student (9 to 13 years old) from a special education homeroom is placed in the mainstream. The program also was designed to encourage on task performance and work completion both in the homeroom and mainstream settings through reinforcement for…

Daily measures of reading comprehension were obtained for three learning disabled fourth and fifth grade boys in two settings--their regular classrooms and a special remedial setting. (Author)

The performance of learning disabled male elementary students in self-contained classes (N=35) and resource rooms (N=50) was compared on five diagnostic tests and factors of retention, chronological age, and behavior. Results indicated a difference only in the intelligence factor between the groups. (Authors)

Measures of perceived competence and perceived achievement were administered to 222 Israeli students with either learning disabilities or low achievement in grades 3, 5, and 7. Subjects were either in special schools, in special classes in regular schools, or in regular classes. Perceived competence was highest among younger children and the…

Explores current policies and practices concerning the definition, identification, and educational needs of students who are both gifted and learning disabled. Recommendations stress the need for less rigid definitions and cutoff scores for program eligibility and the provision of a wide variety of settings (resource rooms, special classes) and…

This exploratory research describes results of a thematic literature-based unit in an upper elementary, self-contained class for students with learning disabilities. Social and collaborative activities included reading, writing, and speaking on the topic of friendship. Literacy outcomes are illustrated in three case histories. (DB)

This study of students in grades 3-6 found that, for learning-disabled students in self-contained placements, subjects' perception of maternal and paternal acceptance plus subjects' academic achievement accounted for 58 percent of variance in subjects' self-esteem. These variables were not significantly correlated with the self-esteem of…