Comparison of Three Educational Programs for Students with Moderate Mental Retardation Integrated in Regular Schools: Preliminary Results

Abstract

This paper presents the preliminary results of an ongoing study comparing three different forms of academic integration: (a) special classes using a functional curriculum, (b) special classes using a traditional curriculum, and (c) regular classes. S's are 25 boys and 16 girls, aged 6 to 10, having measured I.Q.'s from 25 to 55. At the completion of Year 1, no significant inter-group differences appeared for measurements of cognitive variables (i.e. the Key Math Diagnostic Arithmetic Test, the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised, the Harvey Scale of Development, or in functional behaviors (AAMD Adaptive Behavior Scale: School Edition, parents’ reports)). However, differences were found for teachers’ subjective evaluations. Teachers of regular classes reported more behavioral change in their students who have a handicap and reported receiving more initial contacts from parents of these students. Conclusions and implications are discussed briefly.