Compares two methods for evaluating abilities required for the job of mental retardation technician, an expert system prototype and ability rating scales. Results are analyzed to determine similarity of findings, personal preference, ease of understanding, accuracy of job description, and time required. (Contains 19 references.) (LRW)

A threshold utility model was used to assess the usefulness of adding a scholastic aptitude test to a selection system for applicants to a liberal arts program. Results with 426 subjects indicated that the test added little in recruiting students who passed, but did help in identifying potentially excellent students. (SLD)

Identifies components of a course on multiculturalism in teacher education. The course proposes these stages of awareness: (1) ethnic identity exploration; (2) development of knowledge in language and literacy acquisition; (3) refinement of a repertoire for cultural ways of teaching and learning; and (4) selection of a teaching style. (SLD)

Explores construction of black racial identity attitudes during three stages of life span. Responses from 476 blacks between ages 14 and 59 reveal inverse relationship between immersion attitudes (strong attachment to black culture and its expression) and age: the older the participants, the less likely they were to express immersion attitudes.…

Introduces Duke University's efforts to attract qualified blacks to join their faculty by reaching out to black professionals, and describes one journalist's experience teaching about race in higher education. Teaching about racial relations and group identity from a "hands-on" treatment that brings the issues down to a more personal and…

Confirmatory analyses on the Hong Kong Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (HK-WISC) provided support for composite score interpretation based on the two- and three-dimensional models across age levels. Test sample was comprised of 1,100 children, ranging in age from 5 to 15 years at all 11 age levels specified by the HK-WISC. (KW)

Presents articles on supporting multiracial children and families. The articles are: "What about the Children?" (K. Watkins); "'Well, What are You?' Naming and Belonging in Early Childhood" (A. Lutton); "Raising Kohl" (A. Scott and M. Scott); "Bridging Differences" (C. Peshlakai); "Belonging" (M.…

Investigated the contribution of cultural variables, particularly Africentric values and racial identity, to the prediction of drug use, knowledge, and attitudes among African American youths, highlighting individual, peer, and family variables. Data from upper elementary students who participated in a prevention program indicated that Africentric…

This article describes the characteristics of college students with language learning disorders and other at-risk students who have difficulty learning a foreign language. Research which points to deficits in native language abilities and poor phonological processing skills as the cause of foreign-language learning problems is discussed. (Contains…

This article outlines a process for conducting comprehensive early intervention based on an assessment process that includes functional behavioral assessment. A case example is presented to further illustrate this process. Additional elements essential to the process including family involvement, collaborative teaming, and implementing…

Addresses issues that have perpetuated the underrepresentation of African Americans in gifted and talented programs, which include: inadequate definitions, standardized testing, nomination procedures, learning style preferences, family and peer influences, screening and identification, and gifted underachievers. Concludes by discussing alternative…

For preschool children, ages 3 through 5, four major purposes for gathering assessment information are: identification, diagnostic evaluation, program planning, and progress monitoring. This article describes key considerations for each purpose, focusing on the instruments used to collect assessment information. Strengths and concerns of…

Describes various collaborative programs between community arts organizations and schools that provide long-range talent development. Considers the aspects of identifying artistic talent within the arts. Addresses artistic underpinnings, perceptual discrimination, metaperception, creative interpretation, student commitment, the procedures, the…

Discusses lower rates of success among indigenous Australian students and describes an instrument that investigated how well students cope with life out of school as an alternative indicator of ability. Highlights include the impact of cultural background on intelligence test results and results of trials in primary and high schools. (Author/LRW)

This article argues that the regression-based discrepancy method used in the diagnosis of learning disabilities is invalid because it is inconsistent with the underlying underachievement concept of which it is intended to be the operationalization. It is mathematically demonstrated that the regression-based discrepancy method largely reflects…