I think there needs to be an explicit discussion at the beginning of the year so students can explore how and why they should interact with the students with whom they are sharing EASE activities. Answering any questions they may have, removing stigmas or discomfort, and modeling what supportive and helpful behaviors look and sound like will be the best way to have successful and productive cooperative activities. Also, it would help to have an initial planning discussion with the gen. ed. teacher about forming the most productive student groups, so that the groups are designed ahead of time to be balanced and ready for success.