This article describes challenges and solutions to the integration of children with multiple disabilities into supported regular elementary classes: (1) providing a functional curriculum in a regular class; (2) providing community-based instruction; (3) scheduling staff coverage; and (4) promoting social integration. Solutions are illustrated with…

Comparison of two interventions on the peer social interactions of 105 young children with and without hearing impairments found that the integrated activities intervention resulted in greater gains in total positive peer interaction than the social skills intervention. However, withdrawal of either intervention resulted in decreased peer…

Recent political and economic developments in Algeria have brought about reforms of the educational system. A new curriculum was introduced as part of these reforms. This study explores the beliefs of French and English school teachers about curriculum innovation in Algeria. The study is positioned in the qualitative research tradition and looks…

This information sheet summarizes requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act regarding inclusion of students with disabilities in general education classrooms and lists activities and support systems that have been found successful in fostering such inclusion. Suggestions are given in the areas of attitudes and beliefs,…

Cooperative learning methods capitalize on the heterogeneous student bodies of most urban schools. They appear to foster better student achievement than individualistic methods, to increase cross-ethnic friendships, and to improve students' self-esteem and positive attitudes toward other students and the school. Six currently published cooperative…

The paper describes practical strategies to support the integration of children with disabilities into regular classes. Modifications in the classroom that facilitate integration include individualized instructional methods, use of the Adaptive Learning Environments Model, cooperative learning strategies, heterogeneous grouping within the…

This article suggests specific strategies to prevent rejection and isolation and encourage interactions when students with disabilities are integrated into general education classes. Teachers are encouraged to foster proximity, teach peer support and friendship skills, foster respect for individual differences, and provide a positive model. (DB)

Explains how teachers can introduce cooperative learning, suggesting they (1) discuss cooperative behavior with students; (2) initiate small, basic, cooperative groups and activities; (3) facilitate cooperation; (4) add variety and expand the activities. Essential elements include positive interdependence, individual accountability, personal…

This article describes one school's efforts to teach students with mental retardation functional skills in community settings, while maximizing inclusive experiences. The approach includes a method of identifying functional curricula, collaborative instructional planning and teaching, and community-based instruction for all students. (DB)

Reviews research on instructional methods designed to operationalize the principal elements of Allport's contact theory of intergroup relations. These cooperative learning methods, which employ ethnically mixed learning groups who are rewarded for learning as a group, have had positive effects on intergroup relations and on the academic…

Among elementary and secondary students participating in an 8-week-long experiment in cooperative learning in San Diego, California, increases in rates of acceptance of academic teammates or friends of different ethnic backgrounds, levels of self-esteem, levels of academic achievement, and positive perceptions of classroom atmosphere were…

Recounts a classroom exercise in which students examine archaic ethnic slurs aimed at white Europeans (biddy, Dutch bargain). They then consider why these are no longer in use. This leads to a comparison between U.S. immigrant groups of the past and the situation of current minorities. (MJP)

Perceptions of mainstreamed students with learning disabilities (n=60) regarding adaptations (e.g., altering tests, homework, assignments, instruction) made by general education teachers were compared with perceptions of low achieving (n=59) and average/high achieving (n=60) students. Differences were found in relation to elementary versus…

This study explored effects of social levels of play (isolate, dyadic, group, and team) on play behavior of autistic children in a leisure education/adapted physical education program with nondisabled peers. Findings indicate that structured integrated activities involving higher levels of social play elicit a higher frequency of appropriate play…

Ability OnLine is a pilot electronic mail project designed to foster the self-esteem, social integration, and computer literacy of Canadian children and teens with disabilities. It is offered to both disabled and nondisabled students and their families on a Toronto, Ontario, private bulletin board system. (JDD)