This study reports a preliminary investigation into the origins, assumptions, and practices of one of the most widespread innovations in schooling: the classroom system. Material for the historical study is drawn from sources in Glasgow, Scotland, where the combined influences of Calvinist theology, Scottish-French philosophy, and the industrial…

Patterns of stability of behaviors in classrooms with varying types of structure were investigated by means of a low-inference rating scale applicable to both traditional and nontraditional classrooms. Utilizing a research design which controls for subject matter, period of day, and day of week, eighteen observations were made in each of six…

In November, 1971, the 106 Years 4 and 5 pupils of Area C at MacCorkindale School were assigned to two groups--2/3 stayed in the open area and the remainder were moved into a self-contained room within the Area where they could have more structure and direction. This study includes a comparison of Area C pupils with a control group and an…

The Elementary Secondary Education Act of 1965 Title I Transition Classes were designed to establish a more stable yet flexible learning environment specifically adapted to the adjustment needs of selected disadvantaged pupils in the initial year of junior high school. Unique dimensions of the project included sefl-contained classes, teacher-team…

Students perceive low achievers as the recipients of more frequent negative feedback and teacher direction and of more work and rule orientation than high achievers. High achievers are seen as receiving higher expectations and more opportunity and choice than low achievers. (PN)

Reviews investigations conducted to determine students' attitudes toward (1) graded v nongraded schools; (2) open v self-contained classrooms; (3) program organization and arrangement; and (4) the structure and design of curriculum and instruction. (Author/SJL)

Explains how middle level educators can provide learning environments supportive of gifted students by understanding in depth the differences and similarities between general education at that level and gifted education. (ET)

Studied connections between parent involvement programs, teachers' attitudes, and teachers' practices in inner-city elementary and middle schools. Examined patterns according to academic subject, classroom organization, and level of support for parent involvement. Found that each variable has implications for the strengths of school programs and…

Study examined differences between self-contained and team teaching approaches when two groups of elementary teachers implemented a physical education curriculum during an inservice. Researchers collected lesson completion forms, specialists' reports, class observations, and teacher surveys. Results indicated those using self-contained approaches…

In this brief article, a case example is provided that illustrates potential program-evaluation procedures for examining the outcomes of children served in different models of special education. Specifically, the goal of this project was to evaluate the academic outcomes of children served in self-contained versus inclusive models of special…

Special services usage and related assessment procedures were investigated for 50 students with epilepsy. Fifty-six percent of students with epilepsy received special education services, with mental retardation designation and self-contained placement common, especially among individuals with epilepsy plus a coexisting neurological diagnosis.…

The relationship between classroom characteristics and student perceptions of differential teacher treatment in elementary classrooms was examined. Teacher treatment was found to be unrelated to openness of classroom structure. In all classrooms, teachers gave more negative feedback, direction, more orientation to work, and rules to low than to…

Forty students with severe disabilities were evaluated across two years of either inclusive or self-contained educational programming. Comparison of child development and social competence found the inclusive group made statistically significant gains on the developmental measure and realized higher social competence scores in comparison to the…

Suggests that there is a "second system" of specialist teachers and that this system has largely failed to fulfill the goal of accelerating the literacy development of participating children. Explores a "whole day model" as an alternative to the highly regulated "second system," wherein the classroom teacher would assume the responsibility for the…

A survey of 140 deaf and hard of hearing students attending integrated or self-contained high school classes in New South Wales, Australia, found that, although students were aware of the advantages and disadvantages of various placements, 80 percent were generally satisfied with their current placement. Results support provision of a range of…