This article examines constructivism in terms of the learner, the content, teacher-student interactions, motivation, and assessment; evaluates mathematics standards and their sensitivity to students with mild/moderate disabilities; and identifies 19 instructional components derived from constructivism, focusing on teacher behaviors, teacher…

Findings of experimental and qualitative research on construction of science knowledge by students with mild disabilities are reported. Both lines of research indicate these students are able to construct scientific knowledge using scientific methods, positive outcomes are associated with implementation of teacher effectiveness variables, and…

This paper argues for a paradigmatic shift away from individualistic models of development and learning in early childhood special education to a social constructivist model. Principles for inclusive early childhood practice are explicated, based on classrooms as communities, learning as socially mediated, curriculum as contextually relevant and…

This paper describes the influence of constructivism on assessment practices used with special needs students. Features of assessment that incorporate a constructivist philosophy include those holistic, dynamic, and multidimensional in scope; complex interactions among development and the curriculum; metacognitive processes and strategic learning;…

This paper proposes that research on a constructivist approach for students with disabilities should emphasize specific instructional and assessment practices, as opposed to broad educational ideologies. The value of a particular instructional or assessment practice (such as constructivism) is probably dependent upon context and learner…

This paper urges special educators to be wary of borrowing fashionable rhetoric of postmodernism to justify constructivism in the reform of instruction and curriculum without disentangling accompanying constructs and values. There are higher stakes for special education, particularly in national curriculum and testing reform, that accompany…

This qualitative study compared the instructional environments of a resource room and two regular classrooms for four intermediate grade students identified as severely learning disabled. Results suggested that regular classroom teachers need to provide students with LD with more explicit conceptual explanations of cognitive requirements of tasks…

This paper analyzes three conflicting positions that constitute the Regular Education Initiative, in light of 24 federal and state court decisions. It concludes that the "Little Change Model" complies with more of these standards (such as due process, equal access, and education quality). The "Extreme Change Model" (which includes the concept of…

This study focused on procedural and substantive aspects of special education services for students with disabilities in one state's correctional facilities. Results indicated that, although some incarcerated youth received educational services, few received related services. Students enrolled in special education programs received a…

This study evaluated the effects of peer coaching of five low-performing special education teacher trainees learning to deliver direct instruction procedures to elementary students with mild disabilities. High-performing peers used videotapes and individual counseling to help trainees. Results indicated increased effective teaching behaviors by…

This article describes a content analysis of 16 recent special education/human exceptionality survey textbooks to determine amount of multicultural content information. Results indicated that all 16 texts included some multicultural information and content. Five texts contained a considerably greater amount of such information and content.…

This article reviews the history and development of special education in China. The historical review covers antiquity to the 1800s, 1800s to 1900s, 1949 to 1965, and 1966 to 1976. Current special education in China is discussed in terms of laws and regulations and major achievements. Major problems and future prospects are also noted. (Author/DB)

A survey of 1 school district found 136 students (out of 14,229) with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) of which 77 were receiving special education services; 40 were also identified as behavior disordered, 22 as learning disabled, and 7 as mildly mentally retarded. Fifty students were in general education classrooms with resource…

Third to sixth graders (n=508) completed the Children's Disturbingness Scale. Findings indicated significant multivariate differences for gender and age, with girls and younger students more disturbed by virtually all categories of behaviors. Implications for inclusion are discussed. (Author/DB)

This article reviews studies dealing with the employment outcomes of females and males with disabilities and offers recommendations to special educators. It suggests that women with disabilities are dually disadvantaged in employment when gender interacts with disability. (Author/DB)