General Education Academic Teachers' Perceptions and Expectations

Although their participation in general education academic classes differs somewhat from that of their peers, 63 percent of secondary school students with autism who take general education academic classes have teachers who consider their placement in those classes to be "very appropriate"; most of the rest (29 percent) are considered to have "somewhat appropriate" placements. However, the participation of 9 percent of students with autism in general education academic classes is considered "not very appropriate" or "not at all appropriate" by their general education teachers.

Almost 9 out of 10 students with autism (89 percent) in general education academic classes are expected by their teachers to keep up with others in their class; however, approximately three-fourths (76 percent) are reported by their teachers to do so.