The study examined changes in attitudes of nine non-handicapped (NH) six- and seven-year-olds toward peers with severe learning difficulties (SLD) after experience of structured integration sessions over one school year. The NH children had generally maintained their positive attitudes though attitudes toward classmates thought to be "not very…

A Japanese psychologist and educator describes special education in Japan and the Movement for the Coeducation of the Handicapped with the Nonhandicapped in Neighborhood Schools. Influenced by mainstreaming policies in western countries, the Coeducation Movement calls for an end to handicapped student segregation and advocates student…

Preschool children (n=56) with mild/moderate handicaps were assigned to integrated or nonintegrated classes; social interaction was promoted in half the classes. Observation revealed a higher proportion of interactive play and higher language development in social interaction conditions, and higher ratings of social competence in the…

The status of the integration of students with mental retardation into regular schools in four European countries (Italy, West Germany, Switzerland, and England) is described, and possible variables influencing the change of systems are identified. (MSE)

A leadership and social skills program, with parent involvement and support, was implemented with 20 elementary-age children either at risk for academic and social problems or normally achieving and developing. Suggestions are offered for helping families participate in social skill instruction. (DB)

The Individualized Education Program of an 11-year-old boy with severe disabilities was written to emphasize development of social skills and friendships. Opportunities to develop friendships were created, classmates examined their feelings about the meaning of friendship, and parents' and teachers' reactions were assessed. (JDD)

An elementary school teacher describes how the children in her class developed an understanding of and ultimately friendship with the special education students in their school, highlighting a three-step program she created with the special education teacher to help change attitudes and promote comfortable socialization. (SM)

A survey of 183 Hawaii students (ages 15-19) and interviews with a subsample of 93 students investigated subjects' memories about elementary school experiences involving peers with severe disabilities. Analysis revealed that earlier social contact resulted in more positive attitudes, higher levels of current reported social contact, and more…

Twenty-four abused children, judged unable to participate in a public school setting due to developmental delays and abnormal behaviors, attended a therapeutic preschool for physically and sexually abused children from 1985-88. Most children made developmental gains at a faster-than-expected rate, and over 79 percent were staffed into the public…

Tools and approaches to promote the development of social skills among students who are deaf are presented. Social skills assessment inventories are described, and six commercially available curricula are identified. Examples of goals and objectives are provided, as well as suggestions to facilitate social integration of deaf and hearing students.…

The tendency for New York area Chinese to live outside Chinatown is related to socioeconomic status, educational attainment, marriage, and fertility. But unique characteristics of the enclave economy, immigrants' kinship ties to the ethnic community, and ethnic segmentation of housing markets also structure residential patterns. Contains 30…

Presents class activities to help elementary teachers prepare their students for cooperative learning. Phase one involves building team spirit and appreciating differences. Phase two includes strategies for trying substantial cooperative projects. Phase three offers ideas for adding cooperation to basic subject areas all year long. (SM)

This paper reviews the cultural and historical context of mainstreaming students with disabilities in the United States and contrasts this with a proposed model for Canadian integration. Mainstreaming and integration are seen as reflecting different social dynamics and cultural traditions, and the administrative and research implications of the…

The provision of adequate sex education to students with learning disabilities, behavior disorders, and mild mental disabilities should be a part of a general education effort to acclimatize them to full social integration. This paper discusses teaching strategies, issues in developing a sex education curriculum, and personal traits of successful…

This study of 20 preschool children with disabilities and 8 normally developing children found that more peer interaction occurred during play activities that were more structured, whereas teacher interaction rates were not related to activity structure ratings. Among children with disabilities, rate of peer interaction correlated positively with…