The paper examines the issue of disproportionate representation of limited-English proficient (LEP) Hispanic students in classes for the learning disabled. Inadequate assessment, evaluation, placement, and re-evaluation of LEP students are noted. Sixteen policy considerations are identified to help school districts ensure that LEP learning…

In response to an earlier article on foreign language learning disabilities in college students, the article reports on a similar study using the Modern Language Aptitude Test and concludes that, as yet, tests are not adequate to determine a disability affecting foreign language learning. (DB)

Many child sexual abuse victims are unwilling or unable to disclose what happened. A case history is presented of a 6-year-old who denied any occurrence of sexual abuse. The girl's sexual acting out was treated by having the child write letters to a fictional child who had been similarly abused. (JDD)

Education of the gifted in Israel is described, focusing on its historical background, aims, definitions, pupil identification, programs, curriculum, and teachers. Programs consist of special classes, morning and afternoon enrichment groups, and two associations: The Institute for the Promotion of Arts and Science, and Programs for the Promotion…

This study investigated relationships among teacher assignment (general education and special education), primary organizational identification (local school and district level department), and perceived organizational conflict, as reported by 454 general and special education senior-high teachers. No differences were found between the two groups…

Investigates the relationship between analogical reasoning and academic learning. Results show that efforts to improve academic achievement through training in analogical thinking are based on the correct assumption that analogical thinking can be trained and that various methods of training are effective in this regard. (MS)

This article outlines learning patterns which can identify the gifted learning-disabled and discusses the importance of early diagnosis, the importance of the student's participation in programs for the learning-disabled as well as for the gifted, and recommendations for helping the student succeed. (JDD)

State guidelines for 1985-86 concerning definitions, methods, and procedures used to diagnose mental retardation were compared to those of 1981-82. Although states varied widely, more states are now either mentioning or specifying IQ, adaptive behavior, and academic achievement criteria. An IQ cutoff of 75 is more common than in 1981-82.…

Describes Title I of PL 99-457, federal legislation dealing with early intervention services for handicapped infants and their families which requires a state plan to include a definition of "developmental delay." Discusses the individual family service plan and strategy for rural educators. (SKW)

The article reviews findings regarding the use of severe discrepancy formulas in the identification of learning disabilities by the Work Group on Measurement Issues in the Assessment of Learning Disabilities. Associated problems such as overreliance on test scores and the exclusion of the teacher in educational decision making are discussed.…

The article criticizes current special education practices, noting that the concept of individual differences has led ultimately to the practice of labeling children with special needs. The "medical model" has put children in special classes, where they tend to perpetuate and reinforce both the labels and behaviors implied by those labels.…

The relative accuracy of teacher judgments of academic performance in classifying students as learning disabled (LD) or nonhandicapped (NH) was contrasted to standardized tests of intelligence and academic achievement. Results indicated that teacher judgments were as accurate in separating LD and NH groups as standardized tests of intelligence and…

Seventeen visually impaired children, aged 7-11 years, were compared with sighted children on a test of facial recognition and a test of expression identification. The visually impaired children were less able to recognize faces successfully but showed no disadvantage in discerning facial expressions such as happiness, anger, surprise, or fear.…

This group discussion concerning a proposed special Israeli high school for gifted students covers curriculum content and organization, identification of potential students, and students' educational needs. (KM)

The use of standardized I.Q. tests for Blacks has been banned in California State schools. This court settlement culminated 15 years of legal action on a class action suit filed by Black parents for their children who had been disproportionately assigned to classes for the mentally retarded. (VM)