Students served in alternative and segregated settings tend to receive educational services that are not on par with their public school peers. To develop a better understanding of the problem, the authors conducted a national study of secondary psychiatric schools in the United States. Specifically, the authors administered a survey to…

The article addresses programing approaches for secondary gifted students used throughout the country. Goals, identification, and programing options are discussed, including types of acceleration, enrichment, special classes, on campus offerings outside the school day, off-campus options, and special schools. (CL)

The decision to mainstream a child into the least restrictive environment opens up a variety of possibilities. The author surveys the mainstreaming options available in public schools, ranging from regular class placement to custodial care. (Part of a theme issue on mainstreaming.) (Editor/SJL)

This article discusses various kinds of curriculum provision for gifted students, including pull-out extension and enrichment programs, special schools and special classes, and special programs integrated within classes. The use of the terms "enrichment" and "extension" is also examined. (Author/JDD)

Comparison of primary grade students (n=67) with mild mental retardation in Croatia (Yugoslavia) receiving either a special program designed by special and regular educators, regular class services but no special educational help, occasional special educational help, or special services in a special school found that students in the first group…

Seven models of inclusion for deaf children are briefly described: (1) residential programming; (2) residential/public school split; (3) public school programming with a residential component; (4) contained classroom programming; (5) class within a class; (6) integration plus resource; and (7) integration with monitoring. Roles of teachers,…

The study examined state-to-state variability in the use of alternative placements for disabled students ages 6-17 during school year 1986-87, including the extent to which students were placed in settings apart from the regular education environment. Data submitted annually to the Office of Special Education Programs (U.S. Department of…

A national survey of teachers of the hearing impaired (n=313) in either nonintegrated classes in residential schools and day programs, or in integrated settings in regular public schools, or in itinerant programs examined perceptions of the competencies most critical to their job. Similarities and differences in teacher competencies across service…

First-year data from a longitudinal investigation of over 1,100 children receiving different types of gifted services or regular instruction indicated significant differences in achievement levels, self-concepts, and teacher ratings of students selected for different services, with achievement fostered by special school and class options and…

The study compared available placements, related services, and teacher qualifications for severely handicapped students in rural and urban areas of 190 school districts in 46 states. The effects of two predictor variables, percentage of urban population and median family income, on the following dependent variables were examined: student…

The paper examines state policies relevant to current alternative educational environments in each state's continuum of services for handicapped children. The analysis resulted from a review of information about program models in state special education regulations and state annual program plans. State descriptions of available program models fit…

Discussed is the responsibility of a public school system to provide for the education of gifted children, and evaluated are alternative approaches toward meeting this responsibility. Examined and compared in terms of academic effectiveness, administrative practicability, political acceptability, and economic feasibility are the following…

Special education teachers (n=108) were assessed to determine whether standards for acceptable student behavior differed as a function of either placement or instructional level of schooling. Differences were found only at the elementary level, where teachers in less restrictive placements (such as resource rooms) expressed more rigorous…

This report describes an extension of the Learning Outcomes Study (a nationwide longitudinal investigation of 1,010 students just entering programs for gifted learners in grades 2 and 3) to investigate excellence within each of the four program types considered: within-class programs, pull-out programs, separate classes, and special schools. The…

The Learning Outcomes Study, a 2-year investigation, evaluated four popular types of grouping arrangements for gifted students in grades 2 and 3 in 14 collaborative school districts in 10 states. The study compared within-class, pull-out, separate class, and special school instructional arrangements. Study participants (N=1000) included students…