Reviews several lines of convergent research to discuss the relationship between developmental dyslexia and slow symbol naming speed. Describes the interactive development of orthographic and phonological codes, and methodological problems leading to underestimation of the importance of individual differences. Argues that an understanding of…

Demonstrates how cognitive style can be a useful construct in understanding why some children learn to read easily while others do so with great difficulty. Overviews relevant findings from cognitive style research in areas related to both acquisition of word recognition skill and the development of comprehension processes. (MG)

The rising demand for administrative staff development is largely a product of external forces (political demands for reform). Many superintendents are exploring alternatives to meet the requirements of employee improvement. This article describes the efforts of three superintendents and a university professor to develop a meaningful database for…

Analysis of the reading strategies used by Spanish-speaking students of English as a Second Language (ESL) for ESL reading comprehension tests and academic reading tasks revealed that students' knowledge of how to use a strategy effectively, rather than use of a specific strategy, led to more successful reading comprehension. (38 references) (CB)

For inclusiveness to foster growth and cultural enrichment for all its members, teachers need much more than classes on handicapping conditions. Teachers must be prepared through preservice and inservice training to enter a new school community where all students are valued and expected to learn. Syracuse University offers a task force or teaming…

Researcher and former teacher Jeannie Oakes enlarges on the message of her 1985 publication "Keeping Track," a research-based account of tracking's devastating effects in public schools. The widespread practice of tracking students will not be dismantled until educators truly realize that schools can help "make children smart."…

Discusses the difficulty of teaching computer-based remote sensing to students of varying levels of computer literacy. Suggests an instructional method that accommodates all levels of technical expertise through the use of microcomputers. Presents a curriculum that includes an introduction to remote sensing, digital image processing, and…

Examined the hypothesis that processes other than those related to concepts about ability produce helplessness in children younger than 10. Found that eight year olds did not experience helplessness in response to feedback about their failure in an achievement task but did experience helplessness when they failed to perform a physical task. (MM)

A new 22-item measure of an individual's tolerance for ambiguity, the Multiple Stimulus Types Ambiguity Tolerance (MSTAT-I), is described. The measure addresses characteristics of ambiguous stimuli and reactions to perceived ambiguity. Evidence from 148 undergraduates for reliability and convergent and discriminant validity is presented in support…

Dissimilar learners, although not candidates for special-education services, have difficulty adapting to the typical middle-school environment. The Intervention with Dissimilar Learners model adapts middle-school programs to meet student needs and achieve positive regard, teacher empowerment, and teacher as advisor objectives. The goal is building…

Evaluated relative effects of two enhancement programs for minority and white first-year students entering university (n=175). Minorities had greater satisfaction ratings and awareness of individual differences. Students showed improved adjustment regardless of treatment condition, suggesting comparable effects for 10-week classroom-structured…

Two studies examined individual student differences (N=79) in student perceptions of learning context and studying utilizing a new statistical procedure (multidimensional unfolding analysis). The results confirm the existence of important associations between qualitatively different perceptions of learning context and individual approaches to…

A shortened form of the Approaches to Studying Questionnaire (ASQ) was devised to measure individual college student differences in the domains of either meaning orientation or reproducing orientation. It achieves satisfactory levels of internal consistency and test-retest reliability (Author/MLW)

Sternberg and Gastel have provided an example of a major principle of intelligence research--the relationship between a task's working memory demands and its sensitivity to individual differences in fluid intelligence and "g." There is no need to invoke additional constructs such as "novelty." (SLD)

The commentary on three papers (EC 231 669-671) concerned with individual differences in special education considers the issue in light of the history of educational research and concludes that mindful pluralism is the dominant order of the day in special education research and policy. (DB)