Current issues in the assessment of students with learning disabilities are identified, including use of physiological and neuropsychological measures, discrepancy criteria, curriculum-based measurement, dynamic assessment, performance and portfolio assessment, and assessment of learning disabilities in bilingual and multicultural contexts.…

The Hunter Javits Collaborative Project to identify and support mathematics talent of urban students is described. Program components include weekly seminars for students with teacher mentors, a summer institute, teacher professional development, and parent involvement. Characteristics and outcomes for the 45 elementary and high school student…

Discusses the background, legal issues, and significance of the Supreme Court decision, "Loving v. Virginia" (1967). Outlines the history of laws against interracial marriage throughout U.S. history. Asserts that interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment, applying federal civil rights to the states, was a key factor in the case. (CFR)

Low-cost, privately supported voice clinics were developed to perform laryngeal examinations of public school children to identify those needing treatment for voice disorders. This paper describes the model used in implementing the program, the population seen at the clinics, and the logistics involved in clinic operation. (Author/JDD)

This study compared (1) performance on language skills and phonological process measures by 41 kindergarten children with speech/language impairments, and (2) their reading ability in first grade. Children with semantic-syntactic language deficits exhibited more difficulties in reading than did children with articulation impairments. Phonological…

Elementary-aged students (n=106) who had been referred for evaluation as possibly mildly/educably mentally handicapped were administered audiometric and visual acuity tests. Discriminant function analysis found no relationship between test results and classification/placement as mildly handicapped. Alternate testing procedures are recommended for…

Profiles the New Concept Development Center (NCDC) in Chicago (Illinois), an independent African-American institution established in 1972 that is a model for other private and public schools. The NCDC's history is traced. The NCDC educates and socializes African-American children to assume future roles as leaders in their communities. (SLD)

Children (n=185) identified as at risk because of poverty were assessed on overall adjustment and academic progress during grades 1-3. Results suggested that excellent decisions were made in terms of who received special educational assistance. There did not appear to be any bias in the referral process. (Author/JDD)

Tests applicability of dialogical research methods (psychosocial methods of P. Freire) to the investigation of three groups of six to eight Chicano college students. Vignettes incorporating isolation, achievement, or ethnic identity are used to initiate dialogs. Experiences of ethnicity and education from these dialogs can help improve academic…

Examination of 382 referral forms for special education found that regular classroom teachers initiated 74 percent of the referrals. Factor analysis of referral reasons revealed five common types of referrals, some interacting with gender and level of students. The factors dealt with written language, externalizing behavior, internalizing…

Issues related to the exclusion of students considered socially maladjusted from consideration in Public Law 94-142 are discussed in light of current research evidence and school practices. A broader, more inclusive perspective is advocated, including early intervention and special education for such at-risk pupils. (Author/PB)

Four studies involving 172 Australian children (133 males and 39 females) were conducted to investigate the usefulness of the British Ability Scales (BAS) as an alternative to the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R). The BAS was found to be a suitable alternative to the WISC-R. (SLD)

This article considers identification and programing needs of hearing-impaired students from Afro-American, Hispanic, and Asian groups, based on experience within the San Diego (California) city schools. Addressed are demographic shifts and the dropout rate; cultural considerations; assessment; bilingual education; curriculum and instructional…

This meta-analysis with literature review considers whether the self-concepts of gifted and nongifted children differ and explores the effects on self-concept of labeling a child as gifted and placing the child in special programs. Studies indicate a generally higher academic self-concept among gifted students. (SLD)

This paper investigates the psychometric properties of the African Self-Consciousness (ASC) Scale in a noncollege heterogeneous population of 147 African Americans to determine the reliability and validity of the ASC Scale. Based on analysis of the scale's reliability, factor structure, and construct validity, the study shows the ASC Scale to be a…