Interviewed about favorite TV characters, 91% of boys and 53% of girls ages 7-12 chose same-sex favorites. For male characters, wishful identification was predicted by intelligence and (for girls only) humor; parasocial interaction was predicted by intelligence, attractiveness, and (for boys only) strength. For female characters (chosen only by…

Describes the 1991 and 1992 programs of the Baltimore and Washington D.C. Community Outreach Project of The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth, which targets disadvantaged gifted students. Discusses peer relationships, curriculum development, class time, and achievement, concluding that appropriate intervention is essential in…

Expanding the definition of "Asian" to include Amerasians of Latino, African, and Native American origins challenges the Asian American community to deconstruct race and examine the racism inherent even in Asian communities. The multiracial experience continues to expand the dynamic construction of Asian identity. (SLD)

Administered an ability scale to 53 children identified as having a learning disability approximately three years after each had been administered an intelligence scale. Results indicate that the ability scale correlated highly with the intelligence test. Differences in scores in specific measures were nonsignificant. Other findings are discussed.…

Discusses the consistent underrepresentation of minority groups in gifted programs and legal issues surrounding the identification of gifted students, including the relationship between classification and government purpose. Model legislation that defines gifted students and traditionally underserved populations and declares nondiscriminatory…

Presents a synthesis of the literature findings on the dual diagnosis of mental retardation and behavior disorders. Topics covered include: (1) behavior management techniques; (2) drug treatment; (3) family perspectives; (4) education; (5) behavioral treatment; and (6) behavior disorders and mental retardation as mild disabilities. (Author/CR)

Parent-based assessments of vocabulary, grammar, nonverbal ability, and use of language to refer to past and future were obtained for 8,386 twins at age 2. Of the children who had early language delay, 44.1% had persisting language difficulties at 3 years and 40.2% had persisting language difficulties at 4 years. (Contains references.) (CR)

This article provides a brief overview of general outcome measurement and its potential for assessment of continuous progress in early childhood education. It describes an eight-step research and development process for the generating and evaluating of individual growth and development indicators. These indicators are adaptable across children,…

Given the limited use of social competence assessments by teachers, this article briefly reviews three assessment strategies for preschool children, developmental and curriculum-based assessment, direct observation, and peer relations and friendship assessment. A modified performance-based assessment of peer-related social competence is…

Sixty-four authorities on gifted education responded to five questions about issues in the field of gifted education. Common responses were: a need for consensus on how to define, conceptualize, and identify giftedness; new procedures to increase the representation of gifted minority students; and the importance of translating research on…

Discusses some ideas for applying information and communication technology (ICT) to constructing identification keys. Proposes the use of linked web pages as the most easily used and readily accessible for students aged 12-13. (DDR)

In this interview, Dr. Abraham Tannenbaum, an author and leader of numerous research projects concerning gifted and talented students, discusses homeschooling, the impact of charter schools, magnet schools, and school choice on gifted education, the Ganiech psychosocial definition of giftedness, and the development of gifted programs. (Contains 7…

The reliability, validity, and clinical utility of the Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale in the diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorders are reviewed. While the measure holds promise as a research tool, there appears little evidence that it can distinguish among the variety of types of pervasive developmental disorders, or diagnose Asperger…

The ideological basis for education of children with deafness has changed during the last few decades. In Norway, the new curriculum is emphasizing bilingual and bicultural ideas. Using an excerpt of an interview with a secondary student, this article discusses problems that arise when heavily emphasizing a cultural approach. (Contains 10…

Czechoslovakia's talented youth in the natural and technical sciences are served through identification and developmental activities in elementary and secondary school; postsecondary opportunities in universities, the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences, and the Slovak Academy of Sciences; and the School for Young Talents, which prepares future…