This article describes a social skills instructional framework, with examples of its use in inclusive and diverse classrooms. The framework has three phases: (1) defining the social skill to be taught; (2) implementing instruction; and (3) moving to self-control. Also provided are guidelines for performance-based assessment of social skills. (DB)

This article discusses principles of cognitive elaboration which can help students retain and recall information. Eleven elaborative methods are described, including transformational and situational methods at the microlevel and generality and general-to-detailed methods at the macrolevel. Implications for teachers working with students with…

This article offers a framework for planning teams to use to implement inclusive education. Four planning dimensions (action planning, management, evaluation, and reflection) are discussed, including specific considerations for classroom teams. An example of one school's efforts toward developing an effective inclusion program is provided. (DB)

This article explains the combination of instructional practices called personalized contextual instruction (PCI) and illustrates its implementation by a general education teacher, a special education teacher, and a paraprofessional working together in a multiage primary inclusive classroom. The PCI approach incorporates individual learning…

A study explored expectations of 80 elementary teachers of the prereferral intervention team process and the need for direct support in implementing proposed interventions. The majority expected to acquire classroom interventions, obtain professional support, and inform parents of concerns. More than half were in favor of in-class demonstrations…

This article provides a guide for planning field trips for educational engagement of all children in early childhood education settings. Based on interviews, environmental assessments, and evaluations of activities, it includes field trip considerations and a field trip planning guide that includes the teacher, the parents, and the field site…

This article describes how the affinity diagram, a tool for gathering information and organizing it into natural groupings, can be used in inclusive classrooms. It discusses how students can be taught to use an affinity diagram, how affinity diagrams can be used to reflect many voices, and how affinity diagrams can be used to plan class projects.…

Recommendations are offered to parents who wish to ensure an appropriate school placement for a deaf or hard of hearing child. A table lists 30 recommended standards to facilitate full inclusion and the associated actions that parents can take to ensure compliance with these standards. (DB)

This study compared perceived peer and teacher acceptance as well as self-esteem of 16 elementary students with learning disabilities (LD) who receive services in traditional resource rooms, 16 LD students taught in regular classrooms through collaborative consultation and cooperative teaching, and 16 regular education students. Results showed…

This article examines peer intervention as a strategy for modifying disruptive behavior in inclusive classrooms, focusing on the method known as peer confrontation. A vignette of this method's application to reduce the incidence of verbal abuse in a regular classroom is provided, and implications of peer mediation for inclusive schooling are…

This article describes ClassWide Peer Tutoring (CWPT) as an option for heterogeneous instruction and discusses roles for teachers and students in CWPT programs. Achievement and attitude data for three classrooms of high-achievers, average students, and students with mild disabilities or high-risk factors are provided, documenting significant gains…

This article first notes differences between least restrictive environment (LRE), inclusion, and mainstreaming. It then discusses the LRE mandate of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, reviews federal cases that have ruled on the application of the mandate, and concludes with an examination of principles from these cases and their…

This editorial on Public Law 94-142, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, notes major developments, such as the doctrine of least restrictive environment, the regular education initiative for merging general and special education, and the current inclusion movement. (SW)

Similarities and differences between least restrictive environment (LRE) and collaboration are considered. It is suggested that both LRE and collaboration are essential to achieving appropriate education for students with disabilities, but the potential of LRE and collaboration has not yet been fully realized. (SW)

A traditional view of social skills instruction, which is antithetical to promoting children's social development, is presented. Three explanations of social development are then outlined within the context of social integration of students with disabilities. Recommendations for general educators to promote children's social skills are offered,…