Claim of Michael L. Penn, Stanley O. Gaines, and Layli Phillips (1993) in their article "On the Desirability of Own-Group Preference"--that self-esteem and identity achievement are unrelated to own-group preference--is a matter of controversy. Recommendations are made for research that considers physical features beyond skin color,…

Two studies found that the "First Step to Success" early-intervention program for at-risk kindergartners could be replicated successfully, that educators who participated in the First Step training sessions rated the quality of the training highly, and that about half of those trained actually went on to implement the program. (Author/CR)

Describes the use of the action planning and research process (APR) by seven collaborative teams with 29 students having emotional or behavioral disorders in a middle school. The process involves student identification; systematic student assessment in interpersonal, emotional, cognitive, and biological areas; developing and implementing…

Discusses three aspects of changes underlying the "New Multiculturalism": intermarriage, "tipping" of racial and ethnic balances (due to differential birthrates and immigration patterns), and transnational cultures. Educational ramifications include changes in administrative record keeping, evolving student identities,…

This study compared four commonly used vocabulary tests to screen or identify preschool children for specific language impairment (SLI). Four- and five-year olds with (N=31) and without (N=31) SLI were compared on the tests. Despite moderate to strong inter-test correlations, no test was a strong identifier of SLI. (Author/DB)

Analyzes the identity experience of American Indians in Oklahoma. Uses portions of both quantitative data and verbal transcripts obtained through 182 one-on-one interviews during 1988to 1989 at six research sites. Finds a preponderance of integrative identity mixed with varying degrees of separatist orientation. (CR)

Investigated whether children's ability to recognize themselves in delayed video feedback indicates change in self awareness. Parallel results in both conditions studied, and the likelihood of false positives and false negatives indicate that the video test in its present form may not be a valid measure of differences in self-awareness. (Author)

A study explored classroom reading assessments, IQ and achievement scores, and placement decision of 26 students referred to Student Study Teams for intervention and determination of special-education eligibility. Congruence was moderate between placement decisions and discrepancy-based determination of learning disabilities and between placement…

Two studies investigated the impact of moving on gifted children. While academic performance was not hindered by moving, parents and students reported varying criteria for admittance to gifted programs were frustrating. Frequent relocations had little impact on long-term development, but did cause some social difficulties in the short-term. (CR)

Presents an ethnographic portrait of class as it unfolds with race and gender in a black high school and community. Uses a cultural and relational framework to explore how students play between classes in ways that impact structural analyses of class and their implications for public policy. Contains 72 references. (Author/SLD)

Nurses applied standard behavioral criteria for major depression to evaluate 89 institutionalized adults with severe or profound intellectual disability. Results suggested that several additional behaviors listed on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist and the Developmental Behavior Checklist may be associated with this disorder in this population.…

Used a goodness-of-fit model and an exploration-based/perspective-taking model to examine identity formation among Jewish adolescents. Found that ideological identity diffusion was higher among students living in Jewish nondominant neighborhoods, and ethnic behaviors and practices and total ethnic identity were higher among adolescents living in…

This study examined dynamic assessment as a less biased evaluation procedure for assessing the language-learning ability of Native American young children (N=23) identified as either stronger or weaker language learners. Through a test-teach-test protocol, participants were taught principles of categorization. Results supported the further…

A study examined literature on mathematics learning disabilities (LD) and identified specific behaviors of students with mathematics LD. Data are presented from observations of 391 special educators on 1,724 students with LD, 870 with math weaknesses. Difficulty with multi-step problems was the single most important behavior for predicting math…

This article traces the development of federal involvement in early childhood education and intervention. It discusses the influences of the Head Start Program, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, court decisions that clarified the right of all children to equal education opportunities, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.…