The validity of linguistic evaluations of culturally and linguistically different children referred for special education placement is questioned. Such steps as better preparation for all teachers working with this population and advanced training for diagnosticians to facilitate optimal assessment and intervention with specific populations are…

The article contains suggestions for assessing and instructing culturally and linguistically different students with special emphasis on ways to distinguish the learning disabled from students who differ due to cultural and linguistic background and the need to focus on students' strengths and previously gained knowledge. (Author/DB)

The article examines reasons for over-referral of language minority students for learning disabilities placement including misinterpretation of problem behaviors stemming from linguistic or cultural differences and stresses the importance of documenting prior interventions to distinguish differences from handicapping conditions. (DB)

This article explores differences in language development, experience, and use by various cultures. The paper contends that a lack of understanding of multiple views and the characteristics of various languages can result in both misdiagnosis and inappropriate instruction for many individuals labeled "learning disabled." (Author/JDD)

In examining the disproportionate representation of minority groups in special education, this article recommends the inclusion of philosophical and ethical perspectives to broader theoretical paradigms and the open acknowledgement in research efforts that issues related to ethnicity, race, and language background are highly contentious in our…

In examining the continuing problem of the disproportionate number of minority students in special education, this article urges implementation of experimentally validated interventions including: (1) early detection, primary interventions, and prereferral procedures and (2) academic as well as social competence, resiliency, and self-determination…

A task force of the Council for Children with Behavior Disorders identified seven goals for educators and mental health professionals providing services to culturally diverse students. The goals address such topics as: misidentification of culturally based behavior as a behavior disorder, culturally and linguistically competent assessment,…

Narratives of children from different Spanish-speaking backgrounds illustrate that children's atypical narrative performance may reflect individual or cultural differences. It is suggested that static assessments may not differentiate narrative differences from disorders. A dynamic assessment model to predict the child's true language learning…

Some of the critical factors that have prevented equitable treatment of the minority student with learning disabilities are considered. Attention is directed to definitional issues, discriminatory practices in special education, issues in identification and assessment, treatment considerations, and difficulties inherent in the differentiation of…

Presents an overview of areas related to preparing educators for diversity that have particular significance or unique implications for special education. Issues addressed include special-education eligibility determination, instructional methodology, parental involvement, culturally diverse special educators, and educational equity. (CR)

This collection of 64 papers from a 1997 international conference of special educators focuses on the challenges of diversity in education. Topics of the papers include: (1) assessment strategies for individuals with autism; (2) self-determination strategies for at-risk youth with learning, behavior, and emotional disabilities; (3) developing…