A glossary of terms commonly used in discussing measurement is presented. Terms, arranged in alphabetical order, contain definitions as they pertain to the measurement field. Terms defined are: (1) achievement test; (2) age norms; (3) average; (4) battery; (5) ceiling; (6) criterion-referenced test; (7) diagnostic test; (8) domain-referenced test;…

This digest presents definitions of 30 important terms in the field of learning disabilities. They are: accommodations, assistive technology, attention deficit disorder, brain imaging techniques, brain injury, collaboration, developmental aphasia, direct instruction, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, dyslexia, dysnomia, dyspraxia, learned helplessness,…

This ERIC digest: (1) describes types and manifestations of shyness among children; (2) briefly reviews research on genetic, temperamental, and environmental influences on shyness; (3) distinguishes between normal and problematic shyness; and (4) suggests ways for parents and teachers to help the shy child by accepting the whole child, building…

This digest is intended to help parents prevent child sexual abuse. The digest provides facts about child sexual abuse and guidelines for dealing with abuse. Sections of the digest address the following questions: (1) What is child sexual abuse? (2) Could my child be sexually abused, and if so, by whom? (3) How would I know if my child is being…

The digest examines conceptions of giftedness. A brief historical review notes L. Terman's work and impetus for increasingly broadened definitions since the 1940's. The 1969 Marland Report is cited and its definition of giftedness is presented. Current response to that definition's inclusion of six achievement areas (general academic ability,…

This ERIC Digest explores factors that affect creativity in children and techniques for fostering this quality. The need to study creativity and the definition of creativity within a developmental framework are also discussed. Six ways adults can encourage children's creativity are listed. It is pointed out that adults can encourage creativity by…

In his influential book "Scholarship Reconsidered: Priorities of the Professoriate," Ernest Boyer (1990) proposed that the definition of scholarship be broadened beyond the emphasis on discovery to encompass the scholarships of integration, application, and teaching. A report by the Association for the Study of Higher Education and the…

Discussing the evolving conception of literacy, this digest provides a current review of material in the ERIC database on the multiplicities of literacies. The digest includes sections on the broadening scope of literacy, acquisition of literacies, defining literacy, and expanding the domain of literacy. (RS)

This digest examines the definitions of outdoor, experiential, and environmental education and clarifies the boundaries and essential elements of each tradition. Early in its history, outdoor education was influenced by advocates of camping education and nature study. Today outdoor education includes outdoor experiences designed to meet objectives…

This digest defines the term "severe disabilities"; lists some typical behavioral characteristics of individuals with severe disabilities, such as self-mutilation and lack of self-care skills; and outlines the educational implications of severe disabilities. The digest stresses the need for a multidisciplinary approach to education; the…

The information digest on emotional disturbances provides basic information on definition, incidence, patterns of behavior, and educational implications as well as suggested additional resources. The definition of "emotional disturbances" in P.L. 94-142, The Education for All Handicapped Children Act, is given and briefly discussed.…

This digest reports on findings from recent literacy surveys and interprets these findings in light of theoretical and definitional issues involved in estimating literacy; examines approaches commonly use to measure literacy and enumerates concerns about the limitations of these approaches in linguistically diverse contexts; and concludes with a…

This digest analyzes the definitions of disability in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It notes that, in order to be eligible for special education services under the act, the child must meet two criteria: (1) he/she must have one or more of the specific disabilities listed in the act, and (2)he/she must require special…

This digest presents a case for the development of a precise definition of environmental literacy (EL) as a prerequisite to setting standards for environmental education. The discussion includes the following: (1) establishment of the relationship between EL, environmental education, and goals of the formal education system; (2) the development of…

Changes in the workplace such as mergers, acquisitions, reengineering, and downsizing are forcing individuals to recognize the temporary nature of all jobs and develop what has been termed "career resilience.""Career resilience" differs from "career self-reliance" in that the former refers to individual career…