Two studies compared effects of different levels of cooperation (cooperative controversy, cooperative debate, individualistic; and intergroup cooperation vs intergroup competition) on cross-handicap interaction among 123 intermediate grade students (normal or learning/behavior disordered). Pure cooperation promoted more frequent cross-handicap…

Discrepancies between ability and achievement were examined in second grade scores, and again in fifth grade test scores, for two groups of low achievers: learning disabled (n=20) and non-learning disabled (n=20). The two groups differed significantly in relative discrepancy scores in fifth grade, but not in second. (Author/JW)

In the context of a discussion of the use of meta-analysis techniques, two articles take issue with the findings of Casto and Mastropieri concerning effects of early intervention, in particular age-at-start parent involvement, conceptual and methodological problems. The authors of the original article provide rebuttals to the critiques. (JW)

An introduction to a special focus issue on the relationship between general educational reform and special education, the article summarizes four national reports on excellence in education. Sections that address special education are identified, as well as related issues such as teacher preparation, grouping practices, and the use of…

The article examines the omission of special education as a focus of concern in recent national reports and analyses concerned with excellence in education, including negative implications for low-achieving students and those currently receiving special services. The effect of current political and economic variables on educational trends is…

The content and structure of teacher education are examined in light of proposed educational reform as outlined in recent national reports. The need to reconceptualize the preparation of teachers of the mildly handicapped as a response to current efforts to improve the preparation of general classroom teachers is addressed. (Author)

The article describes the current public policy environment and its impact on efforts to refine the system for identifying and serving mildly handicapped students. Areas requiring attention are cited for discussion, including revisions in the service delivery system, personnel preparation, administration of programs and funding structures, and…

It is suggested that current shortcomings of special education services may lead authors of national education reports to focus on improvement of general education opportunities for all students rather than increased compensatory education. Special educators must work toward more effective integration of regular and special education. (Author)

The article cites high costs associated with assessment and staffing of children classified as learning disabled. It is suggested that overreferral of hard-to-teach children perpetuates teaching deficiencies. Professional entrenchment is discussed, and placing a cap on the percentage of mild handicaps funded by state and federal governments is…

Special Education administrators (N=33) responded to a comprehensive survey on their use of microcomputers. Decision-making policies and practices indicated high levels of cooperation between special and regular education programs in acquiring hardware and software and in providing teacher training. Implications for subsequent directions for…

Two curricular approaches for modifying nonhandicapped secondary students' attitudes (N=90) toward their exceptional peers were compared. One was structured around categories of exceptionality; the other focused on generic concepts such as values, conformity, individual differences, and labeling effects. Subjects exposed to the categorical…

A differential schedule of time-out was effective in reducing target maladaptive behaviors in three mentally retarded students (ages 5-9). In addition, by permitting one behavior to occur within an interval which occasioned only a warning, students were allowed to develop self-control within a structured setting. (Author)

Findings about effective schools are reviewed and implications for special education noted. Characteristics associated with effective schools are described, procedures for organizing the classroom to bring about achievement in basic skills are reviewed, and cautionary notes on both areas of research are offered. Implications, specifically for…

Current approaches to assessment of what to teach and how to teach, and their limitations, are discussed. Suggestions are made for modifying current approaches in favor of a post hoc procedure that uses frequent student evaluation to provide the database from which decisions regarding modifications of teaching strategies may be made. (Author/CL)

The Exemplary Center for Reading Instruction (ECRI) teaches teachers to use proven instructional strategies and a management system to prevent reading failure and enhance language skills through an approach featuring stress on quality instructional time, teachers' use of positive reinforcement, and expectations of high mastery levels. (Author/CL)