Peer Relations

A frequently-heard observation of teachers involved with mainstreaming goes something like this: "Yes, Johnny does come to my class for the academics-and he is trying quite hard. In fact, I'm pleased with his work. But I'm concerned. I'm having quite a time getting him to mix with my other students-and they with him!" Many educators have become increasingly convinced of the importance of childrens' peer relationships. Greenwood, Walker, and Hops (1977) have pointed out that social withdrawal in school-age children has been increasingly recognized as a serious behavior disorder. Johnson (1980) reviewed the literature and concluded that peer relationships are important for the cognitive and social development and general socialization of all children and adolescents. This increased awareness of the importance of peer relations was, in part, responsible for the mainstreaming movement in special education. Dunn (1968), in his widely quoted article, asserted that segregating special education students stigmatized them and contributed to feelings of inferiority and problems of acceptance.