Peer Acceptance, Teacher Preference, and Self-Appraisal of Social Status among Learning Disabled Students

Abstract

Social integration, one aspect of mainstreaming, has become an increasing concern with educators working with learning disabled students. Previous results generally have indicated a low peer status for learning disabled students. The purpose of this study was to compare the peer status of learning disabled children served in mainstream programs with their nonlearning disabled peers and to explore (1) the relationship of teacher preference and social status among children, and (2) the accuracy of self-appraisal of social status among learning disabled and nonlearning disabled students. Findings concerned with peer status were similar to previous research. In addition, learning disabled students were found to be less preferred by teachers. A significant relationship between teacher preference and social status was observed in 78% of the classrooms. Results for self-appraisal of social status were somewhat different from previous research. Implications for research, curriculum, and teacher education are discussed.