Assessment variables should include, in addition to performance of the handicapped child, peer relationships and attitudes of the non-handicapped peer. A scale of Children's Attitudes. Toward Exceptionalities was developed to assess non-handicapped elementary school students attitudes about handicapped children. Initial data on this instrument revealed attitudes could be assessed reliably; students while generally positive, reacted more positively to sensory and physical rather than learning handicaps; students were most positive on social distance statements; and third grade students generally were more positive than fifth grade sudents.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Bruininks, V.L.Actual and perceived peer status of learning disabled students in mainstreamed programs. Journal of Special Education, 1978 , 12, 51-58.
Fishbein, M.Attitude and prediction of behavior. In M. Fishbein (Ed.), Readings in attitude theory and measurement . New York; John Wiley & Sons , 1967.
4.
Foley, J.M.The effects of labeling and teacher attitude on peer acceptance. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Pennsylvania State University , 1976.
5.
Foster, G., & Keech, V.Teacher reactions to the label of educable mentally retarded. Education and Training of the Mentally Retarded, 1977, 12, 307-311.
6.
Gottlieb, J., & Gottlieb, B.W.Stereotypic attitudes and behavioral intentions toward handicapped children. American Journal of Mental Deficiency , 1977, 82, 65-71.
7.
Jacobs, W.R.The effect of the learning disability label on classroom teachers' ability objectively to observe and interpret child behaviors. Learning Disability Quarterly, 1978, 1, 50-55.
8.
Kennedy, P., McCauley, R., Bruininks, R., & Northcott, W.Results of a follow-up sociometric research study and summary of longitudinal and cross sectional data on hearing impaired children enrolled in regular classrooms. Paper presented atCouncil for Exceptional Children, Chicago, 1976.
9.
Larsen, S.C., & Poplin, M.S.Methods for educating the handicapped: An individualized education program approach. Boston: Allyn and Bacon , 1980.
10.
Pearson, C.S.A sociometric study of children with speech defects in a rural county in Tennessee . Unpublished masters thesis. Tennessee Technological University , 1978.
11.
Thorndike, R.L., & Hagen, E.Measurement and evaluation in psychology and education (3rd Ed.). New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1969
12.
Triandis, H.C.Attitude and attitude change. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1971.
