A 7-year, longitudinal study of children's social development from kindergarten through sixth grade was designed to identify unusually prosocial children and characteristics that differentiated them from average and antisocial peers. Another objective was to identify functional socioemotional predictors of changes in children's social adjustment.…

The checklist and purchase guide for school and community libraries in Appalachia includes an introduction with suggestions for use of the checklist, and listings in eight sections: bibliographies, materials, and resource lists; standard works and surveys on Appalachian history, culture, and politics; language and literature; music, arts, and…

Educators have a duty to become involved in detecting and reporting abuse and neglect for at least three reasons. First, the trauma created by abuse and neglect is as much a detriment to learning as is a perceptual or physical difficulty. Second, teachers' roles place them in close contact with the child on a daily basis. And third, in all states,…

This unit, developed by the Third World Science Project, is designed to add a multicultural element to existing science syllabi (for students aged 11-16) in the United Kingdom. The project seeks to develop an appreciation of the: boundless fascination of the natural world; knowledge, skills, and expertise possessed by men/women everywhere;…

This book of resources for autistic children in New Jersey is designed to be used by parents and professionals alike. The first section describes autism and provides a fact sheet, a chart illustrating signs and an explanation of diagnostic criteria. The second section describes the state's service system, with names of written service plans,…

This study explores the test-retest consistency of computer adaptive tests of varying lengths. The testing model used was designed as a mastery model to determine whether an examinee's estimated ability level is above or below a pre-established criterion expressed in the metric (logits) of the calibrated item pool scale. The Rasch model was used…

These guidelines address the development and implementation of sound, cost-effective programs of special education, related services, and in-service staff development in Delaware schools. The goals of the guidelines are to provide a stimulus for the state-wide development of: (1) realistic and precise individualized education programs (IEPs) for…

Information on identifying handicapped children was collected and analyzed, in order to evaluate Illinois-required case study components and assessment procedures. A literature review chapter discusses assessment of health, academic status, and individual strengths/weaknesses, and provides summaries of best practices. In regard to method, a survey…

This handbook of information designed to help parents keep their children drug free outlines what children should know about drugs and suggests family activities to reinforce children's motivation to avoid drugs, including alcohol. The initial section provides general guidelines for talking with children about addictive substances. Discussion…

This annotated bibliography contains 44 references, dated from 1976 to 1989, intended for educators concerned with assessment of basic speaking and listening skills, with particular emphasis on minimal competency testing and basic skills improvement programs. The materials cited do the following: (1) assess broad assessment issues; (2) review a…

Using information collected in a survey of all 50 states and the District of Columbia, the study analyzed state definitions of the "behavior disordered/emotionally disturbed" (BD/ED) category of handicapped children, program entrance and exit criteria, and procedures for referral, evaluation, and program placement. A general lack of…

Detailed qualitative case studies of four early childhood special education programs, representing a variety of approaches to decision making as well as different community settings (urban, suburban, and rural), present information regarding their diagnostic assessment procedures. In general, programs reported that the main objective of diagnostic…

The report examines the Hawaii Department of Education's procedures and criteria in the identification and evaluation of handicapped children, as well as difficulties encountered in recruiting and maintaining qualified special services evaluation personnel. An introductory chapter notes the legislative authority for the study; provisions of Public…

As a part of an effort to bolster the United Nations Children's Fund's (UNICEF) capacity to promote child development, this report examines the psychosocial development of the child. The intent is not to shift UNICEF's attention to the psychosocial elements of children's needs, but to help UNICEF to implement early childhood development efforts…

The shortcomings of the conventional way of using and interpreting multiple-choice tests are summarized. Some theories and methodologies that can be applied for better use multiple-choice test items are described. Empirical facts are introduced to support the theoretical observations. New strategies are proposed that will reduce "noise"…