Timeout, a behavior reduction technique used with handicapped and nonhandicapped persons, is defined; its parameters (including warning, duration, and timeout schedule) are reviewed; and its procedural aspects (including preconditions and concurrent interventions) are considered. Five basic types are placed along a continuum of restrictiveness.…

The study compared amount of instructional time in classrooms for severely multiply handicapped children when student/staff ratios ranged from 10:3 to 5:3. Results suggest a point at which instructional and noninstructional time are approximately equal, at a 2:1 student/staff ratio. Thereafter, gains in instructional time become less pronounced.…

Educators (N=105, predominantly regular classroom teachers) appeared to perceive students' behavior problems as more serious when displayed by nonhandicapped or physically handicapped students than when displayed by mentally handicapped students. Ss recommended more behavioral treatments having an authoritarian orientation for nonhandicapped than…

An ecological developmental perspective examined processes influencing linkages between preschool handicap classrooms and children's homes. Results indicated that most programs provide several avenues for teacher-parent interactions. However, few avenues were used and those most often used were not ones contributing to teachers' satisfaction nor…

The author reviews quality of life arguments proposed in Baby Doe cases involving severely handicapped infants and views quality of life in terms of six dimensions: educability, relationships, residence, access, technology, and medical considerations. (CL)

The authors respond to an earlier article by S. Stainback and W. Stainback which suggested the need for more qualitative research in special education. The response centers on the need for better research in the field. The Stainbacks reply, questioning the underlying rationales denigrating qualitative research. (CL)

The issue of pediatric euthanasia for handicapped newborns is examined and contrasting viewpoints emphasizing the quality and the sanctity of life are considered. The author asserts that advocacy for handicapped children involves decisions regarding the euthanasia question. (CL)

A study involving 102 teacher education undergraduates, 91 graduate special education students, and 93 undergraduate engineering students revealed that the publication source of written materials did not cause prejudicial effects on readers. Material drawn from general interest magazines was perceived as just as credible as that from professional…

The article describes the model and principles underlying the Consortium for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, a Washington-based coalition of national legislative lobbyists. (CL)

Findings indicated no differences between 17 learning disabled and 32 normal elementary students on attention tasks, no difference in sustained attention, and no evidence of a developmental lag. A significant difference in attention was found favoring special classes over regular, small groups over large, and teacher-directed over independent…

The article addresses implementing a prereferral intervention model as the first step in special education services delivery system. The model includes four prereferral stages (request for consultation, consultation, observation, conference), and two referral stages (formal referral and program meeting). (Author/CL)

Data from 50 states indicating the proportion of students classified in 10 categories of exceptionality were compiled and analyzed. Analysis indicated consistent increases in numbers of learning disabled students, consistent decreases in numbers of speech impaired and mentally retarded students, and relatively constant numbers of emotionally…

Excerpts from the letters between Alexander Graham Bell and Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller are given to illustrate the educational and personal growth of Helen Keller as well as the educational philosophy of Bell regarding the education of the deaf blind. (DB)

Results indicated that teachers of the learning disabled and teachers of the mentally retarded shared similar views concerning skills/competencies needed, while teachers of the behaviorally disordered differed in their ratings of skills/competencies when compared to teachers of the mentally retarded and learning disabled. (Author/CL)

An objective, 63-item measure of 12 types of parent participation in their child's special education program was developed and evaluated from teachers reporting the involvement of 229 families. Preliminary findings suggest that the instrument can be useful in determining overall involvement, mother-father differences, and in designing…