This paper presents findings on the relationship between the social psychological dimension, students' self concept, and the students' future educational plans. The authors used a scale which measures whether an individual's self-concept is characterized by a mastery over his personal life or by a sense of futuristic fatalism. The research…

In this speech, a black, former principal describes the unique problems facing black school administrators. The author states that his most important task was to establish and maintain credibility in the profession and in the community. He discusses (1) his relations with the staff, (2) his relations with students, (3) his role in school community…

The basic elective course in introductory botany is designed for secondary students who probably will not continue study in plant science. The objectives of the course are to help the student 1) identify, compare and differentiate types of plants; 2) identify plant cell structures; 3) distinguish between helpful and harmful plants; 4) predict…

This paper responds to the demand generated among competency-based program participants and administrators for definitions of "competence" and new assessment techniques and instruments for its measurement. Discussion centers on three aspects of assessment: (1) the identification and definition of competencies relevant to life and work…

In June 1975, 62 men and 64 women living on commercial farms in Juniata County, Pennsylvania were interviewed regarding their behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes related to preventing cancer and coronary heart disease. Respondents represented about 22% of all adults living on commercial farms in the county. A commercial farm was defined as one that…

The state of the art in early identification of children with learning problems is reviewed, and generalizations about the value of early screening are offered. (CL)

Decisions based on the Fluharty Preschool Screening Tests and the Northwestern Syntax Screening Test (and their subtests) were compared to a validity criterion of passing or failing the Sequenced Inventory of Communication Development for 182 children aged 36-47 months. Validity differences were found that depended on test and subtest content.…

Performance of 100 college freshmen on the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery, Part II, Tests of Achievement, were analyzed by subtests and cluster scores to determine appropriateness for assessing achievement of handicapped students. Minor inversions in item order and pronounced ceiling effects on all subtests yielded lowered subtest and…

Using a counterbalanced order, 34 learning disabled students were given the Peabody Individual Achievement Test and the Woodcock Reading Mastery Tests. When scores in reading recognition and comprehension subtests were compared, Peabody scores were higher, indicating that fewer students were certifiable as learning disabled by Peabody scores than…

Visually-impaired gifted students are at risk for not being identified as gifted. Relevant identification, placement, and curriculum problems are reviewed and excerpts from interviews with two visually-impaired gifted students illustrate their unique needs (e.g., the effects of multiple labels, counseling needs, and the need to feel equal to…

Four papers comment on the work of the National Special Education and Mental Health Coalition, a group attempting to identify and remediate problems of behaviorally disordered/emotionally disturbed children/youth. Specifically discussed are: service-related issues, the Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders' role, and the Council for…

Feelings of helplessness can impact on learning to read. This research review illustrates problems in assessing learned helplessness, including instrumentation inadequacies, lack of comprehensive causal schemes, context specificity, etc. Observations of and discussions with the child are recommended in the assessment process. Guidelines for…

Parental response to being informed of their young child's mental handicap was examined through interviews with 50 parents. Results indicated that the majority of parents were told of the handicap in a generally positive manner, after minimal contact with the physician, and during the child's first month of life. (Author/JDD)

A group discussion presents recommendations for the design and development of Israel's residential high school for excellence in the arts and sciences. (KM)

This paper proposes "severe developmental disabilities" (SDD) as a useful umbrella term for various severe handicapping conditions such as autism, severe mental retardation, and multiple handicaps. Diagnostic criteria for SDD include language deficiency, disturbed interpersonal relationships, inconsistent response to sensory stimulation,…