A survey aimed at defining goals to guide decision making about program priorities and resource allocations is described. A study of Arizona's community colleges indicates that the new approach can be very useful. (Author/MLW)

The author states a definition of mainstreaming and lists 30 underlying principles of mainstreaming, then describes 17 models ranked as most successful (e.g., the resource plan--most commonly used) by special education directors who responded to a national survey. Noted is importance of ongoing inservice education and individualized teaching. (MC)

The way in which the concept of a paradigm came to be associated with geographical studies in the Anglo-American tradition is discussed. The validity of the concept in relation to geography is examined, and whether geographical studies can be encompassed within the purview of one paradigm is assessed. (Author/RM)

Four models of coalition formation are tested in a computer-controlled experiment in which three players negotiated to form coalitions in order to gain rewards for themselves. Various measures of the progress of negotiations are introduced, examined, and discussed. (Editor/RK)

Explaining what outdoor experiential education is can be problematic, as a variety of terms are being used to identify a wide range of outdoor experiential learning methods. This paper proposes the metaphoric model of an umbrella to explain the relationships existing among these terms and their respective outdoor experiential learning methods. The…

This document is designed to establish consistency in the definition and format to be used in developing early literacy standards and benchmarks. It articulates a set of standards and benchmarks that is based on current national and state standards documents and that reflects the foundational knowledge and developmental differences representative…

The purpose of the study is to build upon previous theory and research on the concept of authority and to relate this knowledge to current practice in the public schools. (Author/RK)

Traces the evolution of current definitions of the gifted and talented. Examines a model of assessment, and presents steps in the selection of students for a gifted and talented program. (CT)

Sound approaches to needs assessment can assist practitioners in using resources effectively to improve program decision making. An analysis of uses of the term needs assessment provides the basis for discussing purposes and strategies. Following a critique of major approaches, practical suggestions are offered for conducting needs assessment…

Reviews six current behavioral formulations of depression and proposes an integration of these theoretical positions into a single explanatory model. (Author/RK)

A review of the literature examines definitional issues in child abuse. The review is organized into sections on theory and ideology, historical broadening of concept, comparative studies, dimensions of definitions, operational definitions, and breadth of systems. The importance of definitional issues in construction of a unifying framework for…

Describes a national survey aimed at defining effectiveness for public libraries that asked 7 constituent groups (library managers, staff, trustees, users, friends of the library, local officials, and community leaders) to rate the importance of 61 effectiveness indicators. The complex and multidimensional nature of the results is discussed and…

The paper develops the phonological-core variable difference model to conceptualize differences between dyslexic and other poor readers. The model highlights the importance of viewing the concept of dyslexia as the outcome of the application of an arbitrary criterion in a continuous distribution. (Author/DB)

Three criticisms of family-centered models of early intervention for individuals with disabilities are put forth: the definition of family is indeterminate; early interventionists bring their own conceptions of the meaning of family to their work; and empirical research about family processes and their relationship to individuals' development is…

Offers a sketch of a concept called the "liminal state" that may represent a central element of designing and a condition that facilitates the best design products and processes. A definition of "liminal state," some contexts in which it may occur, and some areas where liminal states might improve performance are given.…