This article addresses current features of initial teacher education in England, including the impact of the National Curriculum, the need for more school-based training, and the "permeation" of issues concerned with special educational needs (SEN) into the entire teacher education curriculum. A survey of recent graduates at four institutions…

A Scottish study of 615 pupils in 49 alternative day and residential schools found that over a two-year period, only 21 were successfully returned to the mainstream. Reasons for this finding include resistance of mainstream schools to reintegration; lack of financial support; family attitudes; sex differences in student placement; and the presence…

This article reports results of interviews with 46 British Further Education (FE) students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The students' views on their learning needs, access to FE, and evaluation of the support they have received are examined. Discussion focuses on developing assessments, teaching and learning within colleges, and…

A study of 17 middle school students with learning disabilities examined their perceptions of their experiences with an inclusive delivery system organized around a team of teachers and students. Results found that most students preferred this delivery system to the pull-out program in which they had been involved the previous year. (CR)

This article reviews the historical development of special education in the People's Republic of China, with special emphasis on trends and issues that have emerged in the period since the Cultural Revolution of 1966-69. Major positive developments are identified along with continuing obstacles and possible solutions. (Author/CR)

This article discusses the erroneous use of "integration" (full participation of students with disabilities in regular classrooms) and "inclusion" (the merging of special and regular education) as synonymous terms. The terms are defined and their relationship described. Parents' and educators' integration experiences are discussed to illuminate…

This article reviews research on the practice of publicly posting the performance of students with disabilities and staff. Discusses deciding what to post and concerns about posting, including unhealthy competition, the effects on performance, and effects on self-esteem. Public posting is found to be an effective tool. (CR)

An inventory of 424 students (grades 5-8) and study of 21 teachers found that 11.8% of the students scored in the clinical range of depression. The greatest proportion of students with depression were in grade eight, and teachers with more experience were better able to identify depressed students. (Author/CR)

This study of four young children at risk for disabilities investigated the interaction of classroom variables that enhance or inhibit the development and maintenance of relationships with typically developing peers within kindergarten settings. Results indicated that instrumental classroom variables were teacher philosophy, the physical classroom…

A two-year qualitative study evaluated use of assistive technology by 13 students. Excerpts from case studies illustrate the perspectives of parents, specialists (physical therapists and speech language pathologists), special and regular education teachers, instructional assistants, student users, and peers. Results demonstrate the complex…

The Analysis of Technology Assistance for Children project surveyed assistive technology use in special education classrooms in Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The survey focused on the status of assistive technology in educational and related settings, benefits and barriers of assistive technology, and effects of assistive technology use.…

This discussion considers positive aspects of computer-assisted Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities and the possibility that this technology may reinforce existing flaws or create new ones. It reviews the IEP's evolution, the organizational influences on technology adaptation, and legal and programmatic issues.…

Effects of project-based instruction were assessed in a study of 21 students (mean age 12) with learning disabilities who developed social studies projects from source materials using word processing tools alone or using multimedia presentation tools. Students in both groups acquired substantial content knowledge, but neither group differed in…

This article describes measures for process assessment of handwriting fluency, spelling, and composition of students with learning or behavioral disabilities. It then discusses common writing problems for these students, and specific process and strategy interventions. (DB)

A review of the literature on parental involvement in the education of a child with a disability examines models of parental involvement, barriers to participation, and ideas for training. It concludes that parent-professional partnerships are intended to empower parents and enhance communication. Such partnerships cannot be established without…