Examination of 53 children with autism supported the validity of the subtypes "aloof" and "active-but-odd" as predictors of behavior across language/communication, reciprocal social interaction, and stereotyped behavior/restricted interest domains. Partial support for an intermediate, "passive" subtype was garnered. (Author/JDD)

The diagnostic decision-making standards used by practicing clinicians to determine language impairment were investigated. Results showed significant interrater agreement among the 27 clinicians' decisions and moderate intrarater reliability within clinician's decisions. Most of the clinicians' diagnostic decision-making standards could be modeled…

Simulated data were used to investigate the performance of modified versions of the Mantel-Haenszel method of differential item functioning (DIF) analysis in computerized adaptive tests (CAT). Results indicate that CAT-based DIF procedures perform well and support the use of item response theory-based matching variables in DIF analysis. (SLD)

This exploratory, cross-sectional study examined the impact of independent variables on the adult development cycle of 33 African-American professionals. Shifts in locus of control and life themes and the impact of racism on locus of control were focuses of the inquiry. Implications for diagnosis and intervention are discussed. (SLD)

Surveyed art therapists (n=78) to obtain information on types of doctorates received by art therapists. Results revealed rapid increase in number of art therapists with doctoral degrees in recent years. Dissertation topics were diverse; predominant topics being studies of art therapy assessment tools, identification of abuse, and use of art…

Students with monocular vision may be in need of special assistance and should be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team to determine whether the visual loss is affecting educational performance. This article discusses the student's eligibility for special services, difficulty in performing depth perception tasks, difficulties in specific classroom…

This article stresses the value of science teaching in multicultural classrooms and examines assumptions that are often made about student learning abilities. Puts teacher expectations into a multicultural perspective and provides a racial identity development scheme for whites and African Americans. (LZ)

Assessment of the impact of a collaborative inclusion model involving 670 students with disabilities in 26 schools revealed that student growth was similar in the inclusion and "pull-out" models, general and special education teachers felt quality of service had improved with inclusion, and inclusion was associated with lower rates of…

A national study was conducted in New Zealand in 1988-91 to identify older people with intellectual disability. A national prevalence rate of 1.43 per 1,000 was established. The paper discusses delays in data collection, issues of identification, and the feasibility of case-finding. Challenges to procedures and research design are outlined, and…

Use of the Dynamic Assessment Procedure (DAP) to identify gifted students was investigated with 19 gifted and 20 average students (ages 9 through 15). Assessment, using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, of the highest receptive vocabulary level a child could achieve with adult mediation supported the DAP paradigm of…

Comparison of 19 national data collection programs found significant variability in the disability categories used. Discussion focuses on issues related to improving disability identification in large-scale data collection programs and the effects of these issues on reporting policy-relevant information. (Author/DB)

An action research approach was used to evaluate a nontraditional gifted identification technique for disadvantaged students. Fourth-grade students selected by a whole classroom "tryout" technique participated in the Future Problem Solving component of the talented and gifted curriculum with students selected by traditional means. Analysis showed…

Examines the experiences of fifth grade Latina and African American girls. Argues that one way for young women to begin to fight racism and sexism is to talk about their particular experiences through writing, developing cultural texts to be used for further examination and discussion in the classroom. (24 citations) (MAB)

This study examined the meanings elementary school students attached to the concept of ability in physical education. The focus was on the criteria children use to assess competence for themselves and others, and the extent to which children use normative information to make the assessments. Interviews indicated students used their ability level…

Examines the differences and similarities between two approaches to the assessment of racial identification: a group-based approach (Multidimensional Racial Identification Scale, MRIS) and an Africentric approach (African Self-Consciousness Scale). Results from surveys of 150 black adults confirmed the existence of four factors for the MRIS,…