An alternative approach to the traditional diagnostic-prescrptive or medical model for classifying behavior disorders is proposed which considers topography of deviant behaviors, degree of exceptionality, nature of deviance, and events influencing the deviancy in the context of developing and monitoring education/treatment programs. (Author/CB)

The practice of posthumously diagnosing historical figures is discussed. Emphasis is on the unsatisfactory nature of evidence found for those diagnosed as learning-disabled or dyslexic and the possibility of other explanations for identified problems. Posthumous diagnoses of Auguste Rodin, George Patton, Thomas Edison, Woodrow Wilson, and Albert…

The author describes the use of the revised Detroit Tests of Learning Aptitude and the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery for students with learning disabilities. He cautions about making a diagnosis on the basis of only one test. (CL)

The validity of linguistic evaluations of culturally and linguistically different children referred for special education placement is questioned. Such steps as better preparation for all teachers working with this population and advanced training for diagnosticians to facilitate optimal assessment and intervention with specific populations are…

Scores of 189 kindergarten on the McCarthy Screening Test and the SEARCH, were compared to subsequent school progress and performance on the Metropolitan Achievement Tests Series at the end of grades one and two. Only three of the tests' subtest and total scores achieved significant correlations with the Metropolitan. (Author/CL)

The investigation explored the usefulness of the Noise Subtest of the Test of Auditory Discrimination and the Memory for Sequence subtest of the Goldman-Fristoe Woodcock Auditory Skills Test Battery for initial identification of central auditory function in normal children. (Author/CL)

Changes in visual screening procedures that may have occurred over 5 years were investigated. Parameters surveyed included procedures, times, sources of referrals, and personnel. A majority of districts continue to rely on far-point acuity testing. However, in cases where reading problems exist, greater use of vision specialists can be found.…

In its eight years of operation, a British Columbia program to identify hearing loss in newborns has been duplicated at 19 regional sites. Summary data are presented for incidence of loss as well as type (sensorineural, conductive, or mixed). (CL)

Students (N=147) referred for special education evaluation by curriculum-based and traditional methods were compared. Numbers referred through each method were similar. Academic achievement was almost the sole criterion in teacher referral and Ss referred through weekly achievement measurements were as likely as teacher referred Ss to demonstrate…

A review of research focuses on the history of the syndrome of hyperactivity (including challenges to the disorder's existence) and describes findings from 16 follow-up studies. It is concluded that no study has been able to convincingly discredit hyperactivity as the syndrome is currently diagnosed. (CL)

Advocacy and professional organizations in Alabama collaborated to bring about the formal preparation of regular educators in the identification and instruction of exceptional children. (CL)

The article describes a variation of Usher's Syndrome, a genetic condition characterized by visual and auditory impairments, in which moderate, postlingual, and sometimes progressive hearing impairments may go undetected. Identification guidelines are offered. (Author/CL)

Approaches to identifying, classifying, and placing multiply handicapped hearing impaired students are reviewed, and a model is described in which five factors differentiate among students: instructional objectives, environment, rate, methodology, and staffing. (CL)

Three rating scales--the Conners Parent-Teacher Questionnaire, the Queensland Teacher Questionnaire, and the Pittsburg Adjustment Scale--were used to assess the prevalence of hyperactivity among 1908 elementary children. Rates varied from 5 percent to 8.9 percent, with the overlap going 3.5 percent and the sum of those identified 12 percent. (CL)