Reintegration of 23 elementary-age students with mild disabilities who had been in special education pull-out programs into general education classrooms for reading instruction was evaluated using curriculum-based measurement. Results indicated that, on average, reintegrated students made academic gains comparable with their general education…

Evaluation of problems in implementing inclusion of students with mild to moderate mental impairment in general education classes of a suburban middle school identified lessons such as the following: (1) allow sufficient resources to the project; (2) provide active leadership by individuals with positive attitudes; and (3) convince the staff that…

Analysis of data from 270 families participating in Michigan's "Early On" (Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) program suggests two paths for empowering families: (1) implementation of program components via a family-centered framework or (2) family-centered delivery to build a family support network. (Author/DB)

Analysis of survey data of 84 early childhood teachers, 44 parents of young children with disabilities, and interviews with 7 parents and 8 teachers found that parents expressed a high degree of team involvement and teachers indicated positive attitudes toward parent involvement. Parents stressed the importance of positive attitudes and teachers…

Gifted high school students (N=199) were evaluated using the Sternberg Triarchic Abilities Test; their academic performance was judged by independent raters; and their thinking styles were measured by two converging self-report questionnaires. After controlling for ability level, styles of thinking significantly contributed to prediction of…

This study examined the multicultural practice perspectives of 170 early interventionists serving African-American children and families in relation to requirements of Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Survey results indicated that respondents were positive about the multicultural nature of their individual and agency…

Attitudes toward support service models that are shifting away from specialist-reliant toward natural support systems were studied, from the perspectives of professionals and parents (N=119) who were educational team members for students with deaf-blindness and multiple disabilities in general education settings. Analyses suggest inconsistent…

A policy study (1992-94) investigated how three exemplary states have implemented transition services for youth with disabilities. Document evaluation and interviews (N=74) with key policymakers and implementors resulted in identifying seven themes that contributed to the successful initiation and continuation of transition policies, practices,…

This study evaluated the transition components of the individualized education programs (IEPs) of 94 high school students with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 21. Results indicated that although most of the transition components complied with mandates of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, they lacked many of the essential…

This study compared the contextual classroom features of public school segregated classrooms and community-based integrated classrooms for 16 preschool children with disabilities, by examining the relations between classroom characteristics and child sociability. The two classroom contexts were found to be similar, with no differences in child…

This study examined the effects of contact, books, and discussions on attitudes of kindergarten-age children (N=46) toward people with disabilities. At posttest, significant gains in acceptance were found only in a high-contact group who participated in a program designed to promote acceptance through storytime at school and home, structured play,…

A study of three fifth-grade students with learning disabilities examined the effectiveness of a strategy deigned to help them become more reflective when writing opinion essays. Following the instruction, students wrote essays that were longer, provided more support for their premise, and were qualitatively better. (Author/CR)

This study of 40 children with learning disabilities or mild cognitive delays and 66 children without disabilities (grades 4-6) examined social networks, social supports, friendships, and adjustment. Results indicated that, compared to nondisabled children, the children with learning problems turned to their family less for problem-solving support…

This study examines a collaboratively based problem-solving process in an elementary school in which 29 students with mild to profound disabilities were physically integrated. Teachers and students worked together to solve problems related to inclusion. Teachers judged collaborative problem-solving to be easily incorporated into existing practices…

Interviews conducted with 17 families of children, youth, and adults with problem behavior investigated inclusive lifestyle issues that are important to families. Issues surrounding family life, friendship, school, community inclusion, and supported living/supported employment are discussed. Results indicate the families want more collaborative…