Procedures that have been used for assessing a discrepancy between ability and achievement of students suspected to have a learning disability are examined. Methodological deficiencies and/or unavailability of conclusive validity evidence are cited to support the conclusion that all of the procedures are worthless for screening purposes. (SEW)

Some of the critical factors that have prevented equitable treatment of the minority student with learning disabilities are considered. Attention is directed to definitional issues, discriminatory practices in special education, issues in identification and assessment, treatment considerations, and difficulties inherent in the differentiation of…

Jamaican dialect among Blacks in Britain seems to help unify working-class Black youth, thus making it a political, as well as a cultural resource, in the development of Black identity. However, this language form also contributes to differences between some first- and second-generation Afro-Caribbean Blacks in Britain. (IS)

Distance education is important for many physically handicapped students where attendance at a conventional institution is not possible, either because of their physical condition or for reasons in common with the nonhandicapped. This paper examines an area of disability, visual handicap, and examines research into the use of microelectronic…

Philosophical, technical, and practical considerations in selecting and evaluating educational tests for exceptional children are discussed. The following major technical considerations are addressed: validity, reliability, sensitivity, appropriateness, objectivity, and feasibility. (SEW)

The author reviews the past few years of experience gained in English schools of mixed-ability teaching in science and makes some personal interpretations of the lessons to be learned from that experience. It is hoped that some of these issues will be of relevance to other countries. (Author/SK)

Examines the literature on the impact of school desegregation on three areas of personality: self-evaluation and racial identity, self-esteem and self-concept, and motivation for achievement. Available from Duke University Press, Box 6697 College Station, Durham, NC 27708. (Author/IRT)

Briefly reviews the syndrome in which medical students begin to take on the symptoms of their patients. Discovers that, although studying psychological disorders decreased students' anxiety about their own mental health, it increased their concern regarding family members. These students also are more likely to seek psychological treatment. (MJP)

By graduation, all medical students should be able to demonstrate appropriate attitudes, core knowledge, and basic skills in assessment and intervention with patients at risk from or experiencing violence. Postgraduate medical training should prepare physicians with specialized knowledge and skills, and faculty development for medical school…

Two experiments examined the relationship between reasoning skills, student grade, ability, and knowledge levels. Findings were interpreted in terms of a two-component model: a knowledge-experiential component and the conventions of reasoning. Results indicated that consideration of the relation of reasoning to learning and to instruction…

This article discusses the development and implementation of procedures to comply with the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs in a special British school for children with disabilities. The procedures involve observing the student, conducting diagnostic assessments, determining areas and levels of…

Sixteen premedical students from underrepresented minority groups participated in a six-week, six-course program at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (Illinois). Academic performance before and during program participation was compared for students subsequently offered or denied admission. Accepted and denied students could be…

This article discusses England's development of an Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth. The academy will develop, implement, and support educational opportunities for gifted and talented children up to the age of 19, as well as provide support for parents and educators. The academy's talent search, outreach program, summer schools are described.…

Describes a conceptual framework to help pharmacy students and practitioners identify and document drug-related problems. Presents a preliminary description and taxonomy, using principles established within nursing's diagnostic structure, and discusses implications for contemporary pharmacy practice and education, including delineation of…

A discussion of language disorders that often occur with learning disabilities focuses on definitions, characteristics, alternative assessment methods, and service delivery models and interventions. Use of standardized test batteries, curriculum-based language assessment, and portfolio assessment is reviewed. Principles and methods to enhance…