Results from this study indicate that a cutoff consisting of the mean plus a half standard deviation is more desirable than the original mean plus one standard deviation strategy for categorizing respondents into a "pure" identity status. Status-specific comparisons indicated groups were not significantly different on measures of…

This article argues that the field of gifted and talented education is entering a period of intense change in ability identification, programs, teachers, classrom practices, funding, and terminology. Three questions are posed: "What changes within the field herald a reconceptualization?"; "How does the current transformation differ from previous…

This article takes a critical look at methods used to identify learning disability (such as use of ability/achievement discrepancy formulas and medical/neurobiological diagnosis) and presents an alternative method that adds assessment of the psychological processes of memory and learning to current practices of assessing intelligence and…

Correlation of 82 academically gifted adolescents' personality scores with scores for identity exploration revealed that youth who were actively exploring (according to Erik Erikson's ego identity theory) exhibited the following psychological portrait: inner confusion, agitation, dissatisfaction, unhappiness, periodic spells of depression,…

A survey of 52 directors of adult basic education (ABE) programs assessed the prevalence of students with learning disabilities (LD) in their programs; definitions of LD currently in use; diagnosis of LD among ABE students and extent and type of training for instructors about LD. Results are summarized and recommendations made for service…

This article offers guidelines for the identification of giftedness among students learning English as a Second Language. It recommends the use of portfolio or case study procedures to identify student potential and offers guidelines for connecting practices in teaching English as a Second Language with strategies for teaching gifted students. (DB)

This article describes a Spanish-speaking gifted child with limited English proficiency. The case study describes behaviors indicating giftedness, the importance of proper placement in school, home and cultural factors, identification of the culturally diverse student, and the development of a second language. (DB)

Data from a vocabulary test were used to assess the congruence between the signed area measure, unsigned area measure, Lord' chi-square statistics, and the Mantel-Haenszel technique in identifying items with significant differential item functioning. The three item response theory-based methods identified the same items as biased. (SLD)

A four-item measure of acculturation for Hispanics was administered as part of interviews conducted with 684 first-, second-, and third-generation Puerto Ricans and Mexican Americans, ages 15-24, living in urban low-income households. The four-item scale correlated highly with generation, length of time in the United States, subjective evaluation…

This study explored psychosocial diversity of two groups of gifted adolescents: those who feel different from their nongifted peers (n=379), and those who do not (n=94). Comparisons between groups on demographic variables, perceptions of self and other students, and school behavior showed the latter group manifesting greater desire for social…

The Child Behavior Checklist and related forms were completed for 171 boys referred for school-based assessment resulting from academic and/or behavioral problems. Adolescents consistently underreported behavioral problems relative to parents and teachers regardless of subsequent diagnosis. Implications of these discrepancies in school-based…

A profile-matching classification model was constructed and evaluated to extend use of the Personality Inventory for Children as a school assessment screening measure. Overall accuracy of the model with 248 (derivation sample) and 423 (replication sample) children was reasonable, and classification of profiles did not differ by race. (SLD)

Properly serving the needs of ethnic minority and economically disadvantaged gifted youth requires early identification, enrichment programs, parental involvement, and specialized teacher training. Primary teachers must be able to identify children exhibiting gifted behaviors not showing up in testing. Profiles San Diego and New Jersey programs…

Examined the relationship between identity statuses and different kinds of career indecision. Findings supported the notion that membership in a specific identity status group was related to the nature and amount of career indecision reported by 407 students (grades 7-12). Evidence of construct validity for the various measures used is offered.…

Provides a brief historical national perspective on types of dilemmas that African American men encounter and demonstrates how these men's experiences and belief systems sometimes inhibit their pursuit of academic achievement. Presents a fictional counseling scenario with a student so as to link theoretical knowledge with practical application.…