The Factors that Influence the Attitudes of Teachers and Administrators Affliliated with the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Regarding the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities

As the practice of inclusion gained momentum in educational communities during the 1990s, attitudes toward the concept of inclusion were positive, and few educators opposed it completely. However, the enthusiasm surrounding inclusion led to a hurried approach toward implementation, and practices within public school classrooms went unchecked. As a result, a lack of clarity, and confusion arose regarding the practice of inclusion in general. Inclusion is a pervasive concept in all educational communities today, and private schools are not exempt from integrating students with disabilities into their classrooms. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to extend the research in this area by examining a portion of the private school population: independent schools affiliated with the NAIS. The Opinions Relative to the Integration of Students with Disabilities (ORI) was the instrument used in this quantitative study. This survey, as well as an additional one constructed by the researcher was completed by a random sample of administrators (N= 82) and teachers (N= 440) who work in NAIS schools across the United States. Findings suggest that both groups agree that teacher training and perception of burden are the two most significant factors that influence attitudes toward inclusion. Similar to teachers in public schools, independent school teachers also felt that years of experience, planning time, and perception of competence to implement accommodations and modifications for students with disabilities were significant factors that influenced attitudes. Independent schools were distinguished however from public schools in that both administrator and teacher participants who indicated servicing students with varying types of disabilities possessed more favorable attitudes toward inclusion. Additionally, the perception of involvement was a factor that influenced attitudes for teachers. They perceived that they were not involved in the decision to include students with disabilities in their classroom nor were they involved in determining the appropriate accommodations and modifications necessary for the student to be successful. Finally, the findings suggest that administrators have a more favorable attitude toward inclusion than the teachers overall and discrepancies exist between the groups regarding the perception of to what degree the necessary supports for inclusion (i.e., in-service training, planning time, materials, administrator support) are in place. Recognition of these factors and discrepancies as well as the implementation of a purposeful plan to address them could impact attitudes toward students with disabilities and improve the way independent schools practice inclusion in the future

The Utility Of The Pectoralis Myocutaneous Flap In The Management Of Select Cervical Esophageal Anastomotic Complications

AbstractObjective: The majority of cervical esophageal anastomotic complications can be successfully managed nonoperatively. A small group of patients may have anastomotic strictures or leakage and fistula formation that are chronic and resistant to nonoperative therapy. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with the use of the pectoralis myocutaneous flap to treat these patients. Methods: Since April 1992, four patients have undergone pectoralis myocutaneous flap repair of cervical esophageal anastomotic complications at our institution. Two patients had chronic strictures, one patient underwent prophylactic repair with a pectoralis myocutaneous flap to prevent stricture formation, and one patient had a chronic anastomotic fistula. The pectoralis myocutaneous flap was harvested in the standard fashion. The technique of anastomotic repair is described. The medical records were retrospectively reviewed to determine patient characteristics and our results. Results: Two suture line leaks developed: one small, contained leak required no intervention, and the other resolved with cervical drainage. Pneumonia, seroma at the site of the pectoralis myocutaneous flap donor, transient hoarseness, and partial skin graft loss occurred in one case each. There were no deaths. Hospital stay ranged from 12 to 22 days. A good functional result was obtained in three patients. Conclusion: Our results show that pectoralis myocutaneous flap repair of select cervical anastomotic complications is safe and well tolerated even in patients with complicated problems. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1998;115:1250-4