The social status of mildly learning handicapped high school students

Naturalistic observations of special education classrooms in a high school, together with teacher ratings of social acceptance, revealed four status positions within the learning handicapped population (130 learning disabled and mildly retarded students in resource and special day classrooms). Status was defined by reference to a group dominance hierarchy, and students within each status position displayed similar social patterns and educational attitudes. Conformity to school expectations was inversely related to social standing, while behavioral dominance was directly related. Individual and school factors were discussed that appear to contribute to the emergence and maintenance of the status groups.     

Perceptions of control at school among students in special education programs

Data are reported on special and regular education students' perceptions of control at school and the importance to the students of having such control. For both special and regular education populations, comparisons were made between students enrolled in experimental and nonexperimental programs. Findings indicate comparability among the four groups with regard to areas in which control is valued. Perceptions of control at school for those in the standard special education group were lower than the ratings of regular education students and lower than those given by special education students in the experimental program.     

A sociometric comparison of mainstreamed,orthopedically handicapped high school students and nonhandicapped classmates

This study explored the sociometric status of orthopedically handicapped (OH) high school students in mainstreamed classrooms. Twenty-nine students in mainstreamed classrooms (e.g., spina bifida or other paralysis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy) were compared with randomly selected classmates on the Peer Rating Scale (PRS), a class-administered sociometric scale. The OH group received significantly higher scores on 2 of 12 PRS factors, as well as directionally higher scores on 8 others. These were interpreted as reflecting either genuine liking and admiration for mainstreamed OH high school students or, alternatively, a “defensive” inability on the part of peers to express base-rate negative feelings toward the orthopedically handicapped. Recommendations for future research are made.     

Notebook computers as note-takers for handicapped students

This article is based on a study undertaken as an extension of our Phones for the Deaf programme. In the original programme, PC computers, linked by modems and null-modems, have been used very successfully as a means of communication between hearing-impaired persons and their hearing peers. In this study, the use of cable-linked computers has been extended into the classroom to provide an extremely effective note-taking system. This use of computer technology has proved to be both more efficient and at the same time far less intrusive than the conventional note-taker or signing systems. It provides at the same time complete participation within the class for the student and a hard-copy of the proceedings for later study.     

浅谈残疾学生体育教育

本文简述了当前残疾学生 (主要是弱智、视残、听残学生 )体育教育现状 ,从体育学科角度对残疾学生运动学习进行了探讨 ,从促进残疾学生体育教育发展的角度提出了几点设想。     

The readiness of high school students to pursue first year physics

Abstract

A high failure rate at first year physics is often attributed to the lack of readiness of high school students to pursue such studies. This research explores this issue and reports on the perceptions of five physics lecturers at a South African university on the preparedness of high school students for first year physics. Qualitative data was collected through in-depth, non-directive, semi-structured interviews and analyzed for emerging themes using the Atlis.ti software. Readiness factors that were identified included the ability to engage with physics problems qualitatively rather than merely assuming an algorithmic approach, having a sound understanding of basic physics concepts, and competence in reading and speaking the scientific language. Other factors related to personal attributes and behavior and these were work ethic, perseverance, working independently and time management. These findings and their implications are discussed.     

Retention and persistence of African‐American students in school psychology programs

This qualitative study investigated eight African‐American specialist‐level students’ experiences with and perceptions of their retention and persistence toward degree completion in school psychology programs. Findings indicate that participants deemed the general supports faculty offered to all students and positive, supportive relationships with faculty as retention strategies they experienced as effective and access to diversity in support systems as a retention strategy they perceived would be beneficial. Participants described social engagement and reliance on family and classmates as persistence strategies they used. Based on these findings, the article provides recommendations for school psychology faculty interested in retaining African‐American students and African‐American students who aim to persist to degree completion.