A study examined comorbidity of the five federal definition characteristics among 1,352 students already identified as having emotional disturbance (ED). The extent of comorbidity of ED characteristics was related to the criterion for deviance and to each of the selected student variables, particularly school level and educational placement.…

This interview with Joyce VanTassel-Baska discusses the growth of talent search programs to identify highly gifted students via the Scholastic Aptitude Test and the role of computer technology in what can be offered to gifted students. Also identified are key characteristics of gifted elementary, middle, and secondary school programs. (CR)

This article describes characteristics of individuals with Asperger Syndrome, a developmental disability defined by impairments in social relationships and verbal and nonverbal communication and by restrictive, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. Diagnostic criteria, essential features of the disability, and other notable…

This study examined the validity and internal and interrater reliability of the Wing Subgroups Questionnaire, an assessment that classifies children with autism into subtypes. Subjects were 42 students (ages 5 to 22) enrolled in multihandicapped special education classrooms. Findings support the reliability and validity of the questionnaire for…

Internal consistency and construct and criterion-related validity of the Conners Teacher Rating Scale were studied with 540 students (ages 5-10), with emphasis on its utility as a measure of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and other disruptive behavior disorders. Internal consistency of factors ranged from .87 to .94. Convergent validity…

A method for predicting high dental caries increments for children, based on previous research, is presented. Three clinical findings were identified as predictors: number of sound primary molars, number of discolored pits/fissures on first permanent molars, and number of buccal and lingual smooth surfaces of first permanent molars with white…

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…