Exploration, in three elementary classes, of the social affiliations of students who were either academically gifted or had learning or emotional/behavioral difficulties found students formed distinct peer clusters around shared characteristics, particular social characteristics were associated with students' level of centrality in the classroom,…

Comparison of the social interactions of nine children with visual impairments and a comparison group of nine children with full sight found that children with visual impairments were capable of interacting with others, but there were differences in the frequency of social initiations and the targets of these initiations. Results support…

Using data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988, this study found that high school seniors with learning disabilities held lower aspirations than peers for both educational and occupational outcomes. No practical gender differences were found for students with learning disabilities. (DB)

Effects of qualitative researchers' competing self-identities on decision making in the research process are addressed and illustrated with examples from the author's research with African American/Latino, low- to middle-income families of children with disabilities. (Author/DB)

A national survey of elementary and secondary general education teachers (n=368, response rate of 52%) examined classroom grading practices, including grading adaptations for students with disabilities. Results indicated that teachers found certain adaptations (pass-fail grades, portfolios, multiple grades, and grading for effort) useful for…

A survey of 158 rural special education teachers found that 57% expected to be in the same position in 5 years. A predictive model developed through logistic regression analysis suggested that administrative support and job requirements played important roles in teachers' five-year plans. (Author/DB)

This study of 92 special educators and related service providers evaluated two interventions (a series of stress management workshops and a peer-collaboration program) on factors correlated with turnover (burnout, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment). The interventions showed promise as a means of providing on-the-job support for…

This article examines the concept of mild mental retardation and the confusion surrounding its etiology, prevalence, diagnosis, and educational "treatment." It concludes that mild mental retardation should be redefined in contextual terms: a person's relative difficulty in responding to the environment's cognitive demands. It recommends that the…

This introductory article to a special issue on families of children and adolescents with special needs across the life span notes the articles' focus on theory, research, and practice as a way to provide information about current work in the fields of early intervention, special education, and family support from an ecological perspective. (DB)

This article reviews the changing structures and characteristics of the American family and discusses the increased influence of several societal concerns, including poverty, substance abuse, and exposure to violence. These issues are considered in light of their potentially deleterious effects on child and family development and functioning,…

This article examines the theory, research, and social policy relating to family and individual life-cycle transitions for people with disabilities in the United States. Examples from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act illustrate both promising and inadequate policy…

This study examined the relationships of family functioning, parenting stress, and social support of caregivers who are parenting children with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection. Data were collected from 48 caregivers of HIV-exposed children. Analysis showed significant relationships among parenting stress, children's developmental…

Parents (n=280) of young children disabled or at risk assessed help-giving practices of early intervention/human services program personnel. Sources of variation in parents' assessment were related to differences in program models and not parent or family characteristics, and differences in parents' personal control appraisals were attributable to…

This qualitative study used focus groups to explore student perspectives on family involvement in the transition from school to adult life. Four focus groups, including students with learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, and mild mental retardation, demonstrated the importance to students of family input and support.…

This article describes models and methods of advocacy for families of children with disabilities in elementary and middle school, including self-advocacy, social support advocacy, interpersonal advocacy, and legal advocacy. Issues for parents during these years are discussed, as are the role and needs of siblings. Advocacy is seen as a dynamic…