This study of 145 middle class first grade students investigated whether a relationship exists between early acquisition of Piagetian conservation tasks and gifted performance on a mental abilities test. Students were evaluated individually on tasks involving the conservation of number, of liquid quantity, and of mass. A moderate correlation was…

Computerized adaptive testing procedures (CATPs) based on the graded response method (GRM) of F. Samejima (1969) and the partial credit model (PCM) of G. Masters (1982) were developed and compared. Both programs used maximum likelihood estimation of ability, and item selection was conducted on the basis of information. Two simulated data sets, one…

The paper reviews the history of assigning linguistic minority students to special education classes. The review begins with the Darwinistic view of J. Down who noted that the existence of "idiots" in European families was a throwback to lower developmental stages characteristic of the "Mongol race." Minority language groups and the disabled were…

The report to Congress comprises a description of the current research findings on the definition, associated characteristics, diagnosis, prognosis, prevalence, causes, and treatment of developmental language disorders. Each section both reviews current literature and notes research as well as clinical needs, as related to issues of prevention.…

The study examined pre-, peri-, and neonatal factors in 271 British infants (weighing less than 1500 grams at birth), 188 of whom survived to 2 years. The study represented an attempt to define those factors which predict normal neurodevelopmental outcome in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Surviving infants were seen at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24…

Suicide and the threat of suicide are important mental health issues for health service providers. Who a potential victim turns to for help initially and how capable that person is in recognizing the signs of potential suicide are critical issues not fully addressed by research. A study was conducted to examine the ability of various service…

The investigation had two objectives: (1) to determine whether teachers of select deaf students can identify those considered to be unofficial candidates for dual diagnosis as deaf and learning disabled; (2) to identify which academic achievement areas, if any, would provide support for informal observations of learning disabled functioning.…

Intended for teachers and parents, the book offers guidelines for recognizing and dealing with allergies as causes of learning and behavior problems. Each chapter identifies relevant references in the bibliography. In the first chapter such signs of behavioral reactions as facial or body clues, changes in school performance, and changes in writing…

Representatives of several states met to identify basic elements of a tracking system designed to ensure that disabled and at-risk infants and their families receive continuous and appropriate services to improve health and developmental outcome. Discussants explored six clusters of questions concerning the following: realistic goals and…

The study examined the characteristics of children currently classified as learning disabled (LD) in Illinois. Student and teacher checklists were completed and records reviewed for 1349 students (ages 5-20). Results are depicted in table form and summarized according to five major objectives: (1) to determine types of regular education remedial…

Four major formulations of the relationship between sex role orientation and successful adaptation have found support in the literature: a traditional sex role, androgyny, masculinity, and androgyny for females. The adaptive implications of sex role orientation were examined on constructs reflecting intrapersonal functioning, i.e., ego identity…

Research findings have confirmed the view that if mental health practice is to be relevant and responsive to minorities, it must consciously and deliberately take into account their ethnic heritage and culture. The world views of ethnic minorities, or the ways in which they perceive their relationship to nature, institutions, other people, and…

Little is known about very young children's conception of alcoholic beverages and their uses. A study was conducted to determine whether preschool children's ability to correctly access a cognitive network about alcoholic beverages can be related to differences in family exposure to alcohol. Preschoolers (N=57) between the ages of 2.5 and 6 years…

The report examines the development of education services for exceptional children in Duval County Public Schools (Jacksonville, Florida) from 1976-1986. Changes are noted in the context of such general trends as declining then increasing enrollments, the back-to-basic movement, and the stress on competency testing. The impact of the passage of…

This publication provides an overview of the processing of juvenile delinquency cases through the California juvenile justice system; provides information to aid administrators, planners, and researchers in the administration of juvenile justice; and maintains baseline data for further studies of the system. Information on juvenile arrests and…