The paper describes a data collection system to record children's progress and to encourage parents of young handicapped children. The system consists of a calendar with blank spaces in which parents place stickers listing developmental behaviors and record comments about their child. The approach has four main objectives: to supplement…

Exploring the formal and theoretical possibilities available in and through feminist inquiries, this paper investigates the possible impact of feminist theories on three areas of academic writing--the professional, the graduate, and the undergraduate--using a polylogic, polyvocal presentation. The paper explores the theoretical and formal…

A multidimensional approach to assessment of children with learning difficulties is examined. The approach explores factors along five dimensions: (1) learner characteristics (motivation, social-emotional maturity, cognitive abilities and styles); (2) task-based contributors (match of tasks to maturational levels and to cognitive style); (3)…

Reviewed are such techniques as classroom observation, using criteria for success in educational prescriptions, and plotting daily performance for evaluating the severely disturbed child. Included are such materials as a sample diagnostic test schedule, a paper on observation procedures, and graphs for recording behavior. (SBH)

Described is a diagnostic-prescriptive model for teacher observation of learning disabled students. It is explained that through observation, teachers should be able to answer questions in seven areas, including the existence of a real learning disability; the student's functioning level in reading, arithmetic, and writing; the student's learning…

Two teachers have developed a procedure for grading student compositions that seems fairer to both them and their students. The students are given a choice of which papers they wish to submit for grading, and when they do submit work, the papers are identified by a number only (chosen by the student and indexed in a class card file). Each teacher…

Various approaches to language assessment of the preschool child are reviewed, and the use of language sample analysis as part of a language assessment package is considered. The pros and cons of such approaches as checklists, screening tests, and language sample analysis are considered. Procedures for administering the language sample analysis…

The Family Expedition is a federally funded program designed to foster healthy changes in families with troubled adolescents through multifamily adventure therapy experiences. Each Family Expedition cycle is 4 months long, consisting of six multifamily sessions and three home visits. Each 90-minute home visit gives families time to focus on…

Alternative approaches to the assessment of language minority students are considered. A comprehensive assessment of the limited English proficient (LEP) student is said to cover the following components: cognitive development, learning proficiency or rate of learning techniques, social adaptation, language assessment (expression, reception,…

A systems perspective is offered of cooperation among various agencies providing educational and related services to severely emotionally disturbed children. The systems view is described in terms of interfaces of four subsystems which exist in each agency--structural, technological, human, and communication. The structural interface involves…

Holistic evaluation is a reliable, valid, and cost-effective alternative to the usual mechanical assessment of writing. Writing samples are scored on a five-point scale against an overall impression of development, organization, and coherentness. The method was applied to the Communication Activities Skills Project (CASP) for grades 3-12. Writing…

Gathering, interpreting and conveying diagnostic information to parents of multiply handicapped children is an essential first step in the child's development. Assessment should investigate response to materials, teaching methods and reinforcers. Communication with parents can be enhanced through enlisting their participation in the evaluation…

The development of the Cambridge Assessment of Spoken English (CASE) is reviewed, with particular reference to the trialling and validation of the rating scales. The objectives of the test are to assess an individual's ability to produce and process spoken English; demonstrate the ability to communicate in English through the use of grammatical,…

The paper describes a "mini-assessment" designed to help teachers understand the nature and extent of students' learning problems. A distinction is made between children with reading problems due to neurological differences and those with problems due to emotional, educational, or cultural factors. The importance of identifying and referring the…

The value of reading ability lies in its use rather than its possession; therefore, how students feel about reading may be as important as whether or not they are able to read. Helping children develop positive attitudes toward reading, learning the reading interests of children, and helping children develop positive self-concepts through…