A six-point rationale for assessing mainstream learning environments in order to facilitate placement of mildly and moderately handicapped students is presented. Indicators of learning environment assessments include substantive modifications, more typical modifications, and curriculum anomalies in the local setting. (Author/DB)

The newsletter issue reports on the current debate on the merits of academics versus "life skills" in the education of mildly handicapped students as well as the proposed Regular Education Initiative, a plan to better unify regular and special education. Noted are the increased numbers of students identified as handicapped with the…

The author suggests ways in which the field of special education, specifically for mildly handicapped students, must reexamine its role and functions in light of budget cuts and threats of deregulation. He asserts that mainstreaming efforts must be reevaluated to assure that special education remains a part of general education in the community.…

The statewide (Oregon) survey of special education administrators, high school special education teachers, and parents of mildly disabled high school students investigated four areas of special education services: focus/content, discrepancies between availability and utilization, barriers to mainstreaming, and conditions required for improvement.…

Educators from 41 high schools and middle schools in south-central West Virginia were surveyed regarding their use of curriculum modifications for inclusion of students with mild disabilities. Educators were asked to identify modifications that they use, do not use, or would consider using. Findings indicate that respondents were employing only 6…

This paper outlines a method for meeting the vocational needs of students with mild disabilities and the instructional demands placed on both teacher and student, without sacrificing time devoted to content areas. By manipulating the existing curriculum and environment, educators can cultivate the skills necessary for success in the working world.…

The ability of the special education student to make a smooth transition into the adult world depends upon a number of criteria, beginning with the support and assistance of family, friends, and school personnel. An appropriate curriculum for high school students with mild disabilities should accomplish the same goal as one designed for all high…

The article offers guidelines for using the regular education mathematics curriculum for students with mild disabilities. Approaches geared toward mildly handicapped adolescents include the parallel alternate curriculum, the resource room model, and the strategies intervention model. Specific teaching suggestions are also recommended as are…

A middle school program designed to meet functional curriculum goals of students with mild and moderate disabilities in general education classrooms is described, with emphasis on specific preparation for teachers; extensive and thorough collaborative planning; and strong, ongoing implementation support. (DB)

The paper addresses issues concerning the future of special education with a focus on the mildly handicapped (MH). After an initial section presenting the particular frame of reference and philosophical biases underlying this presentation, recommendations are made for a possible agenda which addresses seven key areas in the field. Among…

Discussion of the successful integration of technology to assist students with mild handicaps in mainstreamed classrooms highlights the role of the teacher. Three research studies are described: one with elementary schools, one with middle schools, and one with high schools. Curriculum objectives, student needs, group learning, and teacher…

This report describes the development and field test of "Make It Happen!," a school-based approach to integrating technology into the middle school curriculum. This activity, conducted between October 1989 and May 1991, constituted Phase II of a 5-year study of technology integration for mildly handicapped students in four middle schools…

This study investigated general education classrooms in one elementary school to determine impact of grade and disability on interactions among students, teachers, and the environment (i.e., instructional context). Twelve students were randomly selected from four strata (mild disabilities/grades 1-2; mild disabilities grades 3-5; severe…

The book contains 19 papers from the journal, "Focus on Exceptional Children," that discuss new perspectives and practices in educating students with mild disabilities. The first half of the book is titled "New Perspectives" and includes the following articles: "Beyond the Regular Education Initiative/Inclusion and the Resource Room Controversy"…

The 20 chapters of this book on teaching students with disabilities in inclusive settings are arranged into four parts on curriculum and instruction, assessment, classroom management, and collaboration. Individual chapters and their authors are: (1) "Curriculum Considerations in an Inclusive Environment" (Cynthia D. Warger and Marleen C. Pugach);…