This paper reviews definitions and issues in selective mutism in children and summarizes results of interventions conducted and published since 1982. Definitions and diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association's "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) (1994)" and the World Health Organization's…

An 18-month project researched the development of basic skills support in Further Education (FE) colleges in England and Wales. The methodology included 2 surveys of 206 colleges that provided basic skills support, and case studies of 8 colleges. The statistical surveys showed that many colleges were not collecting data relating to students…

A survey and focus group study with students of Chinese origin at York University in Ontario (Canada) examined their attitudes toward the concept of "visible minority." Surveys of students conducted in 1992-94, as well as three focus group sessions conducted with 26 students of Chinese origin, have indicated that large numbers of…

Attitudes toward usage, accent, and dialect in spoken English are examined, drawing on literature in the field and data from a British study of year 9 students' (pupils aged 13-14) language awareness. The dilemma inherent in teaching standard spoken usage while encouraging maintenance of ethnic and regional identity is examined, with attention…

This manual explains the roles and responsibilities of caregivers of young children in preventing, recognizing, and reporting child maltreatment within and outside early childhood programs. The manual examines: (1) personal, professional, and legal influences on the roles and responsibilities of early childhood education professionals related to…

Only recently have providers of services to battered women and abused children begun to look at the connection between these two populations. This manual is a tool for any adult who comes in contact with children of battered women. Its purposes include: giving basic information about battered women and describing how this abuse and violence…

Noting the importance of agriculture in a developing nation, this manual provides primary school teachers with ideas for lessons and activities that can be taught in the school garden setting to improve students' application of skills acquired in class. The guide provides examples of specific lesson plans in science, math, social studies, and…

This study explored the spiritual development of college women, to gain an understanding of what religion, spirituality, and faith mean to them. Interviews with three college women explored issues critical in their religious lives, revealing the emergence of their faith and religious identities. The three were entering their fourth year at a…

A previous simulation study of methods for assessing item functioning (DIF) in computer-adaptive tests (CATs) showed that modified versions of the Mantel-Haenszel and standardization methods work well with CAT data. In that study, data were generated using the three-parameter logistic (3PL) model, and this same model was assumed in obtaining item…

This guide for further education teachers focuses on providing basic skills support. Chapter 1 defines basic skills support, outlines some factors that have influenced this development, and sets basic skills support into context within a rapidly changing further education sector. Chapter 2 looks at basic skills screening and explores some issues…

Although Native American children are theoretically eligible for gifted programming, equality of opportunity does not exist. Arizona state data show that Native American students are underrepresented statewide and in 13 of 14 counties examined. Two issues related to this underrepresentation are the definition of "gifted" used for…

This digest, based on a larger document titled, "Homeless and in Need of Special Education," by L. Juane Heflin and Kathryn Rudy, focuses on educational aspects of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. Briefly discussed are: the effects of homelessness on children (e.g., increased health problems); the educational implications…

In spring 1991, the National Preschool Coordination Project sent a questionnaire regarding preschool services to all state migrant education programs. Over half of the states responded. Findings indicated that: (1) there is a need for improved identification and recruitment of migrant children aged 3-5 years; (2) the majority of jurisdictions…

This project described methods of early identification and implementation of various interventions used to increase achievement of students at risk in grades three, four, and five at John D. Floyd Elementary School in Spring Hill, Florida. The 51 children who qualified for and were enrolled in the dropout prevention program had achievement scores…

This investigation examined the perceptions of competence in various domains that academically talented seventh-graders hold in comparison with peers of the same and opposite gender. Subjects included 1,294 participants in the Duke University Talent Identification Program Talent Search. A Likert-type scheme and multifactor repeated measures were…