A case study of three adults (ages 46-47) with Down syndrome investigated the patterns of symptoms associated with depression and dementia. Characteristics that distinguish between dementia and depression in adults with Down syndrome are described. Periodic comprehensive assessment of adults with Down syndrome to detect functioning changes is…

This study examined use of Sternberg and Zhang's (1995) pentagonal implicit theory of giftedness by 189 preservice teachers in China. In making judgments about giftedness, study participants considered three of the models' five criteria: excellence, productivity, and value (but not rarity and demonstrability). Results are compared to similar…

Brain researchers developed a three-tier model to treat reading problems, involving screening for early intervention, modifying regular instruction and monitoring student progress, and diagnosing and treating referred children. In a pilot of the model, 64 percent of 215 participating students needed no further intervention beyond tier 2. In…

A study investigated predictors of teachers' attitudes (Finland=147, Hong Kong=214, United States=160) toward gifted education. Attitudes depended on whether or not they believed that their school had gifted children, all children are gifted, gifted children should help others, parents have the major responsibility, and special classes best meet…

A study examined identity issues and health behaviors of 52 mainstreamed students (ages 11-15) who are hard-of-hearing and 470 controls. Although there were few statistically significant differences, there were indications that subjects more often experienced a sense of loneliness. The majority did not self-identify as having a hearing disability.…

A study involving elementary students with (n=336) and without (n=548) emotional disturbance (ED) found students with ED exceeded controls on the five ED characteristics stated in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which are inability to learn, relationship problems, inappropriate behavior, unhappiness or depression, and physical…

This interview with Calvin Butts III, a gifted pastor of a Baptist church in Harlem that houses the largest Protestant congregation in the United States, investigates his experiences and his views on developing academically gifted African American students, drawing talented people into the ministry, and identifying young talent. (CR)

Discussion of the British Code of Practice for the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs focuses on the need to implement the Code in the context of the National Curriculum, modified as necessary, and individualized in the student's Individualized Education Plan. (DB)

Recent research has shown that boys from father-absent homes exhibit greater feminine role identification, delinquency, mental disorders, poor academic performance, and poor self-esteem. This article presents case studies that demonstrate crises of masculine identification for adolescent boys whose lives lack either a present father or male…

Examines assumption that art therapists can objectively identify self-images in drawings by troubled adolescents without talking to these youth. Findings suggest that discussion, though preferable, is not required for identifying self-images. Analysis of adolescents' drawings indicates that structured art assessment can be useful in evaluating…

Data from interviews, surveys, and archival records were used to examine gifted education policy implementation in Missouri. The study found that school districts tend to use a programmed approach to policy implementation when identifying gifted students with state guidelines usually being used prescriptively. Results suggest a need for greater…

The benefits and disadvantages in conducting universal infant hearing screening and in the transition of audiology from a master's to a doctoral level profession are discussed from an epidemiological point of view. Epidemiologic strategies which may inform decision making in these two important and controversial areas are presented. (Author/CR)

In the early 1980s, public school teachers in Chiapas, Mexico, organized themselves in a dissident mass movement aimed at democratizing their participation in union affairs and restructuring the relations of domination and subordination affecting their work lives. Macro-level analysis focuses on union corruption situated within an authoritarian…

Explores several topics related to advocating for students with emotional and behavioral disorders, including the role of teachers. Various misdirected advocacy positions are critiqued and a new advocacy agenda proposed that focuses on program appropriateness, qualified personnel, least restrictive environment, and meaningful classification and…

Presents problems inherent in religious Zionist education. Provides solutions to dissonance within the religious Zionist identity: (1) a firm educational doctrine and the goals that follow; and (2) education toward effective cognition. Addresses the implications of combining an educational doctrine with cognitive elements. Includes references.…