Provides an overview of issues and practice associated with the integration of handicapped students into regular education settings. Emphasizes the differences between mainstreaming and federally mandated provision of educational services in the "least restrictive environment." Discusses the changing roles of elementary school teachers…

A survey was conducted of 100 graduates (ages 7-17) of an auditory/oral Australian preschool for children with hearing impairments (92 integrated with hearing peers and 8 segregated). Most children perceived their academic progress to be average or above; nearly all received audiological support; over one-third received speech therapy and…

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…

Examines the interconnections between African Americans residing in deteriorating urban areas and the broader U.S. society. Focuses on the orientations of 10 men and 10 women in Detroit (Michigan). Interviews with participants suggest a dialectic in which they are both connected to and disconnected from mainstream society. (SLD)

A study examined the differential impacts on college persistence of preentry attributes, initial goal and institutional commitments, academic and social integration, and subsequent goal and institutional commitments for younger (17-24 years) and older (25+ years) students. Significant age-related differences were found on some factors. (Author/MSE)

This study examined potential conflicts between expectations of receiving teachers in community schools and the behaviors of elementary students moving from a psychiatric treatment facility. Students had been using the AIMS (Assessments for Integration into Mainstream Settings) system. Potential conflicts in the areas of adaptability,…

Suggests quality indicators for special-education practices that result in socially valid outcomes such as high self-esteem, self-determination, individual empowerment, and joy. Discusses social validity, criteria for determining socially valid outcomes, and practices that promote these outcomes. (Author/DB)

A diverse group of people, many from intentional communities, discuss what community means, physically, materially, and spiritually; what sustains communities; how they deal with conflict and change; the rewards of living in community; and how children are raised, educated, and supported by communities. (TD)

An interview with a mother and daughter living in an intentional community in New Hampshire explores how their choices about lifestyle have shaped them, how homeschooling worked for them, the role of other community adults in raising children, why the daughter left and later returned, and how community is more than proximity to other people. (TD)

This study compared effects of either a teacher-mediated social skills intervention or an integrated activities intervention on social interaction among young (ages four to six) children with and without hearing impairments. The social skills intervention successfully increased social interactions among deaf and hard-of-hearing children, but…

Expresses disappointment with the outcomes of special education and urges special educators to adopt the democracy-based school reform vision. The paper visualizes an integrated school with part of the day devoted to civic education and school community activities and part devoted to individual student acquisition of academic skills and knowledge…

Analysis of focus group discussions involving 13 parents of young children with disabilities and 32 professional service providers examined participants' perceptions of inclusion and early intervention. Discussion focused on awareness of early intervention services, barriers and supports to inclusion, notions of service coordination, experiences…

Examines the extent to which Latino students' background characteristics and college experiences in the first and second years contribute to their sense of belonging in the third year. Identifies several experiences as having a positive effect on first year students and notes the negative effect of a hostile racial climate. (MJP)

Presents a look at the rebirth of the Cossack movement in contemporary Russia and the reactions of university students to the issues that it raises. The original Cossacks were frontiersmen who formed part of the Czar's cavalry. Their descendants have reunited as a social and political force. (MJP)

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…