This study examined the effects of a dependent group contingency to increase positive verbal interactions among nine middle school-aged males in a self-contained classroom. Prior to implementing the group contingency, the students received social skills instruction. A withdrawal experimental design was then used to evaluate the effects of the…

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 Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Division of Special Education (DSE), per Section 162.1136 RSMo, conducts an annual study of the educational status of eligible blind/visually impaired students and reports the findings to the Missouri Legislature on December 1st each year. The information contained in this report…

The study examined the behavior and characteristics of 33 children in a self-contained unit for autistic children in a multidisciplinary framework involving psychiatric, neurologic, psychological, social, and educational parameters. Results of a comprehensive evaluation indicated the following primary diagnoses: early infantile autism, atypical…

Observations, anecdotes and reactions resulting from a 3-month exploration of British educational approaches are presented. The people-centered approach, organic nature and local conduct characteristic of English primary education are also discussed. (SDH)

A study examined the effect of bibliotherapy on the self-concept of seven neurologically impaired primary students in a self-contained classroom. The students were pretested and posttested with the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale and the Self-Concept Picture Inventory. Two filmstrips from the "Who Am I?" series were shown daily to the…

The paper analyzes research on the self concept of differentially placed educable mentally retarded (EMR) students and hypothesizes covarying factors which may suggest to educators variables to be taken into account in placement decisions. Considered are such factors as IQ, reading achievement, and being the only retarded child mainstreamed into a…

This article describes the use of computer-assisted and computer-managed instruction in self-contained and departmentalized classrooms in Arkansas elementary and secondary schools since 1983, when the state enacted provisions for the use of computers to enhance previously mandated improvements in basic skills instruction. (PGD)

Examines sociometric data from 60 elementary classrooms to test the hypothesis that friendship patterns vary according to whether classrooms are "open" or "traditional." The author concludes that children's friendship patterns are affected by the structure of the classroom. (Author/DB)

On achievement and behavior, girls were rated higher than boys and internals higher than externals. Sex interacted with school environment, such that girls' achievement ratings exceeded those of boys only in open classes. Locus of control by environment interaction was not found for achievement or behavior rankings. (Author)

The article examines three educational options for handicapped adolescents (self-contained classes or units, resource programs, and vocational education) in terms of the three main rationales underlying such options: fit the system, change the system, and ignore the system. (DLS)

Two articles present suggestions for enhancing classroom management in creative ways. The first article describes how to use flexible seating arrangements to encourage cooperation, friendship, and community. The second article discusses how to encourage and work with classroom volunteers from the community. (SM)