Effects of Differing Levels of Inclusion on Preschoolers with Disabilities

This study compared three levels of inclusion (special education-only, integrated special education, and mainstream placements) on cognitive and language development of preschool children with disabilities. Results are reported for 66 children randomly assigned to one of three classroom ratios. Overall, treatments did not differ significantly, but an analysis of pre- to postgains revealed that one treatment, integrated special education, produced gains that significantly exceeded the rate of normal development. Aptitude X Treatment interactions indicated relatively higher functioning children with disabilities benefited more from integrated special education placement, while relatively lower functioning children benefitted more from special education-only classes and mainstream classes. Results replicate previous findings that different levels of inclusion produce differential benefits for higher and lower functioning students.