An Illinois survey of 84 kindergarten and special education early childhood teachers found that computers were used in over 50% of the kindergartens but only 7% of the special education classes, that most teachers had had some hands-on computer training, and that teachers were not contacted by parents for information about educational computer…

This report focuses on the workings of the Impact Aid program with a special emphasis on the implications of the statute for military children. The main purpose of the statute is to defray the local share of expenses for educating federally connected students. The assertion is that military and other federal activities bring additional students…

This bulletin contains statistical data of the schools and classes for the blind from the years 1917-1918. The data is organized into the following contents: (1) Number of schools reporting; (2) Dual schools; (3) Control; (4) Instructors; (5) Number of pupils; (6) Graduates; (7) Enrollment by grades; (8) Enrollment by courses of study; (9) Value…

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…

A British residential school for children with emotional and behavioral difficulties set up a class for those children presenting with complex learning needs, including autism, within the school. The special class was observed over a number of weeks and the boys especially benefited tremendously in their social/emotional development and learning.…

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 compared 13 students (grades 6 through 8) with behavior disorders who were mainstreamed part of each school day with 6 similar students not mainstreamed. Overall, the mainstreamed students had higher reading and written language scores, better work habits, and higher grades. Nonmainstreamed students demonstrated more extremes in social…

This study compared 16 students with either a less or more severe disability from elementary schools using the "full inclusion" model and 16 similar students from schools using the special class model. The study analyzed individualized education plans and also compared program quality and student outcome variables. Significant…

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…

A comparative analysis of 10 primary and 10 secondary schools found relationships between school policy toward children with learning problems (either encouraging mainstreaming or separate classes) and other aspects of school functioning, including educational philosophy, approach to handicap identification, and degree of communication between the…

A survey evaluation of special classes for the gifted in 35 Indiana school districts was carried out among 173 teachers, administrators, and program coordinators. Results indicated that the curriculum and teaching methods were clearly differentiated for the gifted and were effective in meeting their needs. (Author/PB)

This study compared three levels of inclusion (special education only, integrated special education, and mainstream placements) on the cognitive and language development of 66 preschool children with disabilities. Analysis of pre- to postgains revealed that integrated special education produced gains that significantly exceeded the rate of normal…

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…

MDRC's Opening Doors Demonstration is measuring the effects of various combinations of curricular reforms, enhanced academic advising, and increased financial aid intended to increase the persistence and improve the academic achievement of students at six community colleges across the United States. To determine the impact of the Opening Doors…

Three issues are addressed in this research review. First, do gifted and average children differ in their self-concepts? Second, what, if any, are the effects on self-concept of labeling a child as gifted or exceptional? Third, does placing the child in a separate enriched or accelerated classroom have any impact on self-concept? The paper begins…