Social degradation is related to family cohesion and peer group functions, both of which depend on cultural traditions. Research from Japan shows how a study of cognitive style and learning within the classroom must include psychocultural determinants related to social or ethnic identity and the awareness of disparaged minority status. (Author/GC)

Evaluation of 54 mentally retarded pupils, aged 10 to 13, in 1979 and comparison with six samples of mentally normal pupils collected during the last two decades confirm that prevalence of additional problems among mentally retarded pupils is greater as compared to mentally normal pupils with respect to nine variables. (NEC)

The effects of relaxation training and biofeedback on five factors of self-concept among hyperactive male elementary school students are investigated: levels of aspiration; anxiety; academic interest and satisfaction; leadership and initiative; and identification v alienation. Findings suggest that relaxation training/biofeedback warrant inclusion…

Reports evidence that some students have reading problems because of instructional emphasis on reading as "exact word reproduction," or of student tendencies to focus too keenly on word-attack skills. (RL)

The problems of using formalistic methods in the instruction of mathematics to elementary level children are discussed. Precision in mathematical language is not seen as a useful instructional tool, and functional modes of communication are stressed. (MP)

The following five reasons for failure to use learning strategies are discussed: poor cognitive monitoring, primitive routines that yield a product, a meager knowledge base, attributions and classroom goals that do not support strategy use, and minimal transfer. A theory of settings must be considered to address these issues. (TJH)

Samples 10 each of primary, secondary and special schools as a means of investigating the development of curricula for children experiencing learning difficulty. Describes the method of qualitative data analysis. Develops a model of the curriculum development process based on the interrelationships of the categories found in the analysis. (KO)

The Precise Identification and Remediation for Learning project identifies kindergarten pupils at risk for serious learning problems. The project involves identifying target skills, developing assessment materials, conducting initial assessments, identifying children with performance deficits, providing small-group remedial instruction,…

Describes the nature of the developmental spelling continuum. Considers the common instructional concerns of word selection, yearly and weekly routines, and organizing to meet the needs of poor spellers against the developmental backdrop. (MG)

Relationships between schools and families of children with learning and behavior problems are discussed in terms of the benefits of parent involvement, barriers to effective home-school partnerships, ways that schools and families can collaborate, and skills that support parent-teacher collaboration. (DB)

This article considers how special and general educators can apply cognitive-behavioral techniques with academically at-risk students to improve their academic self-concept, improve study skills, help them control anger, reduce their anxiety and stress, and reduce their test anxiety. (DB)

Examined effects of explicit teaching and peer tutoring on reading achievement of learning-disabled students and nondisabled, low-performing readers in academically integrated classrooms. Found that explicit-teaching students did not achieve reliably better than controls; students in the explicit teaching plus peer tutoring condition scored higher…

Examined student perceptions regarding the acceptability of teachers' adapting academic work and differentiating rules and rewards to meet the diverse needs of students with learning or behavior problems. Found that most students favored academic and behavioral adaptations when needed; however, most students in several grades opposed some students…

Discusses difficulties faced by left-handed children in everyday schoolwork. Highlights include right-handed bias of toys, clothing, and tools; the need for guidance in handwriting; problem areas including domestic science, arts and crafts, and metal and woodwork; left-hand advantages in sports and creative arts; and the European Left-Handers Club…

Focuses on the issues related to the student classification process and the disproportionate placement of black males in special education programs. The meaning and implications of the following classifications are discussed: educable mental retardation, serious emotional disturbance, specific learning disability, speech impairment, and trainable…