Discusses problems with the inclusion of students with disabilities in general education and characteristics of successful inclusion programs, including real collaboration between special-education and general-education teachers, involvement of parents in the education of their children, and considering inclusion to be a process, not an event. (CR)

This article reviews research supporting the impact of differentiated instruction on both the social and academic performance of students. It proposes that the school curriculum, the general curriculum, and the individualized curriculum constitute the most critical social context for the behavior of students with emotional and behavior disorders.…

This survey of 336 New Mexico regular and special educators investigated their perceptions of the benefits and problems of inclusion. Results indicated skepticism and a mixed opinion about potential benefits of inclusion and an overwhelming expectation that problems would be inherent in a unified system of education. (CR)

This program describes a program at one Minnesota elementary school that works to optimally include 32 students with emotional and behavioral disorders. The three special classes involve increasing amounts of time spent in mainstream settings with decreasing amounts of additional support. Key program characteristics include philosophy, goals,…

Discussion of the assessment of students with disabilities receiving services in inclusive settings focuses on assessing for updating the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and for guiding instruction. It considers the use of norm-referenced assessment, informal assessment, assessment for instruction, teacher observation and listening skills,…

Discussion of special education at the turn of the century raises concerns about the abandonment of core values and professional responsibility (as in the emphasis on general rather than special education), adoption of methodologies (such as co-teaching) without any evidence of effectiveness, and a "one size fits all" approach (inclusion of…

This article first explains the legal basis of the movement to integrate students with disabilities into general education classrooms, including federal statutes, regulations, and judicial standards of case law. It then examines policy initiatives to include students with disabilities in systems of accountability and educational assessment. A…

This article summarizes a process model designed to help schools include students with complex social, emotional, and behavioral needs in general classroom settings. Challenges to inclusion of these students are identified, and the seven-step model is explained and illustrated through examples of systems change projects throughout New Hampshire.…

This article outlines principles of a needs-based approach to the inclusion of students with emotional and behavioral disorders and describes implications for inclusion in three areas: (1) provision of services; (2) curriculum; and (3) behavior management. The article also addresses the responsible limits of inclusion from a needs-based…

Twenty-six suggestions for setting up a class environment in which children with learning or behavior problems can develop friendships are presented, including integrating friendship into the curriculum, teaching necessary social skills, structuring successful recess and lunch periods, honoring children's friendships in placement decisions, and…

A case study of an eight-year-old boy with emotional/behavioral disorders, learning disabilities, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is used to illustrate principles of inclusion. An analysis of the educational system and the student's needs is followed by a description of various inclusive interventions (such as academic modifications,…

This article discusses how special education reform movements continue to influence school practices regarding special education placement decisions and offers recommendations for promoting academic educational benefit for included students with mild disabilities. Schools are urged to make responsible decisions regarding inclusion by developing…

This article briefly reviews the literature on the efficacy of both differential placements and inclusion for students with disabilities. It urges better coordination in research evaluating school programs and those evaluating post-school outcomes. It also urges agreed-on definitions of service models and standards for identification and placement…

This article explains minimal hearing loss in children and implications for the regular classroom setting. It describes audiograms and discusses developmental effects of minimal hearing loss, identification of minimal hearing loss, intervention, environmental modifications, and teacher strategies. Emphasis is on accommodations that can be provided…

A study involving 122 general education majors and 72 special education majors found that after attending a special education survey course, the overall attitudes of the general education majors towards inclusion were positively changed. Attitudes of special education majors after attending a special education course were also positively affected.…