Individuation theory is rooted in the belief that it is a major developmental task for adolescents to establish their identity while simultaneously maintaining a relationship with their parents. Building on the individuation paradigm, the researchers contributing to this edited volume zeroed in on discourse as a critical mechanism through which…

In 1998, the Mississippi Association for Gifted Children (MAGC) created a task force to study identification practices in Mississippi. MAGC was concerned about minority under representation in gifted programs. The task force worked to answer the question "Is the implementation of the Mississippi referral to placement process equitable?"…

Data from Project Talent are utilized to assess the representativeness of the samples used in the Wisconsin and the Exploration in Equality of Opportunity (EEO) surveys. Adequacy of the measures of academic aptitude and aspiration used in the surveys are examined, and problems with the Wisconsin model are briefly discussed. (RM)

An analysis of the Wisconsin model of achievement asks how powerful this model is in accounting for social influences, aspirations, and attainment when measurement error is taken into account. Revised estimates show support for the Wisconsin model. A revised model is even more powerful for explaining educational and occupational achievement.…

Provides a brief historical overview regarding the development of a religious identity. Explicates a number of questions that both guide and complicate this effort in modern times. Argues that traditional texts should be evaluated more in terms of their positive contributions than their dated elements. (MJP)

Describes a study of an antiracist professional development course designed to help white educators recognize personal, cultural, and institutional manifestations of racism and become more proactive against racism in their schools. Analysis of participants' written assignments indicated that over half took meaningful antiracist actions following…

Examines whether affective perspective taking (the ability to identify and understand another person's feelings) plays a more significant role in altruistic helping than does cognitive perspective taking (the ability to recognize and understand the thoughts of others). This hypothesis is supported by the results of an experiment pairing videotape…

African-American students may experience cultural disequilibrium in American schools due to conflict between components of school culture and student racial identity. The therapeutic instructional process of cultural clarification is proposed to encourage positive self-image among Black students through peer learning, television, memorizing,…

This article describes the content and design of a model program to prepare social work students to work effectively with severely mentally disturbed children and adolescents. Task analysis of skill areas (assessment, intervention, case management, and critical thinking) informed development of the suggested curriculum. The training program design…

Examines research on effects of African American culture on development of black children's positive self-esteem. Finds that black children do not seem to have lower self-esteem than their white counterparts; they develop positive self-esteem and ethnic identities assisted by a supportive family environment, a strong kinship network, and the…

This article describes the Peabody Individual Achievement Test-Revised-Normative Update, an individually administered school achievement measure for students from kindergarten through grade twelve. The test assesses students' knowledge of general information, reading recognition, reading comprehension, mathematics, spelling, and written…

Examined how women's reconstruction of various family patterns during childhood and adulthood relate to levels of depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. Found that women who recalled cross-generational alliances or triangulated family patterns, and whose parents were emotionally distant, were more at risk for depression, anxiety, and low…

Describes current special education identification, classification, and assessment practices, and evaluates them in light of emerging concerns about their reliability, usefulness, and fairness. Alternatives to conventional practices are discussed, and a revised funding system that can yield the dollar figure available to support the special…

Evaluated a school-based program that served female adolescents with histories of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Found that participation produced healthier beliefs and attitudes about alcohol and other drug use and reduced initiation of tobacco and marijuana use. Findings support enrolling younger girls before they develop negative…

Educators have frequently expressed concern about young children who are exposed to known environmental risk factors associated with the development of chronic behavior problems (e.g., poverty, domestic violence, child maltreatment). Nevertheless, a societal commitment to address these environmental risk factors by identifying young children who…