To illustrate past practices in the assessment of children with communication disorders, this article presents a case study from 1967 and then reviews advances since then in assessing children for language and speech disorders. The benefits of dynamic assessment are discussed and steps in dynamic assessment approaches are explained. (CR)

Argues that terms such as self-determination and sovereignty, which were developed as political tools to influence federal Indian policy several decades ago, now contribute to an ideology that relieves Indian college students and scholars of their responsibilities to Indian communities. Suggests that American Indian Studies programs clarify what…

Examined how white students in an undergraduate multicultural education course experienced difficult, emotional content about racism. Analysis of samples of students' reflective writing indicated that the coursework influenced students' racial identities. Reflective writing in combination with teaching practices informed by psychological theory…

The performance on a cognitive screening test of 37 children (ages 4-6) with mild mental retardation or learning disabilities was compared to their peers. The tasks constituting the initial version of the battery were evaluated in terms of their classification accuracy and yielded a set of five different cognitive tasks. (CR)

Reviews the debate from the standpoint of entitlement about the education of children who are classified as seriously emotionally disturbed or socially maladjusted. It examines how research has supported or contradicted the notion of entitlement from the standpoint of prevalence, classification, intervention, and cost. Ethical guidelines are…

An African-American freshman at Harvard University keeps a diary of her first year at college, noting experiences of racial isolation and solidarity, and the difficulties in being both Black and female in the highly competitive Harvard environment. A recurring theme is that of her alienation from others. (SLD)

This article reviews "ADHD with Comorbid Disorders: Clinical Assessment and Management" by Steven R. Pliszka, Caryn L. Carlson, and James M. Swanson, a book that provides information on children displaying both attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other comorbid psychiatric conditions, complex psychopharmacological interventions that may…

This article examines whether changes in the ethnic minority composition of the standardization sample for the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-III (PPVT-III) can be used as the sole explanation for children's better test scores when compared to an earlier edition. Analysis suggests other factors may explain improved performance. (Contains…

To assist teachers, descriptions of seven defining characteristics of Asperger Syndrome are provided, including: insistence on sameness, impairment in social interaction, restricted range of interests, poor concentration, poor motor coordination, academic difficulties, and emotional vulnerability. Strategies for addressing each of these symptoms…

This interview with an individual with Asperger Syndrome (AS) discusses the characteristics of autism, how AS differs from autism, and common characteristics of AS. His experiences in school are described and recommendations are made for teachers who work with students with AS and for parents of children with AS. (Contains references.) (CR)

This study compared 4 methods (2 case history and 2 performance-based) used to classify the status of adult subjects in familial studies of developmental language disorders, involving 24 parents of children with developmental language disorders and 24 unrelated adult controls. Classification by case history found fewer affected adults than…

This article urges a constructive dialog between artists and educators in order to establish a new direction for the education of youth with special talents in the arts. The fundamentals of artistic talent are discussed, followed by consideration of effective means to identify potential talent and develop talents in all students, including…

A survey of state directors of special education found that states vary greatly in the ways they define autism, assess autism, and provide training and technical assistance for those working with pupils with autism. Tables provide survey data by state. Recommendations focus on professional training needs, assessment practices, and eligibility…

A study of 51,624 Michigan students declassified from special education indicated that the students were academically, socially, and behaviorally well adjusted in general education programs. Teachers and counselors felt that 11% continued to need special education. Four percent of declassified students returned to special education within three…

Fragmented, agency-centered services contribute to poor educational and societal outcomes. The National Agenda to Improve Results for Children and Youth with Serious Emotional Disturbance targets approaches that are knowledge based and have a high likelihood of improving outcomes. Explores the implications of the agenda's seven targets and the…