Regular Classroom Sociometric Status of Behaviorally Disordered Adolescents

This study examined the regular classroom sociometric status of behaviorally disordered and nonhandicapped high school students. In six schools 43 behaviorally disordered subjects who attended regular classes for portions of the school day were matched with an equal number of nonhandicapped students. A rating scale sociometric instrument, the Ohio Social Acceptance Scale (OSAS), was administered in 33 physical education classes that had behaviorally disordered students enrolled. The results indicated that behaviorally disordered subjects, in comparison to matched nonhandicapped students, were lower in regular classroom sociometric status. In addition, behaviorally disordered students were as well known as their matched peers, and rated fellow behaviorally disordered students in the same classes higher than nonhandicapped raters. The findings are consistent with similar studies, and highlight the need for quality instruction to assist handicapped students in their social relationships in regular classrooms.