Multiple-choice items are universally used in formal education. Since they should assess learning, not test-wiseness or guesswork, they must be constructed following the highest possible standards. Hundreds of item-writing guides have provided guidelines to help test developers adopt appropriate strategies to define the distribution and sequence…

Young people in long-term foster care are at risk of experiencing poor social, emotional, behavioural and educational outcomes. Moreover, these placements have a significantly greater chance of breaking down compared with those involving children. This article critically evaluates the factors associated with this particular outcome. The article…

Background: Children involved in the child welfare system (CWS) have a greater need for mental health treatment relative to children in the general population. However, the research on mental health treatment for children in the CWS is sparse with only one known previous review of mental health services with children in the CWS. Objective: This…

Objectives: Children outside of family care face increased risk of threats to their well-being, have lower educational achievement, and experience adverse developmental outcomes. While it is generally accepted that early response and intervention is critical to reducing the risk of harm for children who have been separated from their families, it…

Objective: The purpose of this study was to review empirical evidence of the effects of placement in group care compared to other interventions. Method: Two-group empirical studies were identified and effect sizes for all reported outcomes were calculated. Results: Nineteen two-group studies were found that compared group care with family foster…

Discusses what is known of the extent of selective placement both now and in the past, and examines research which directly addresses the question of the effects of selective placement upon adopted children. (MP)

Balancing the functions of career planning (CP) and placement (PL) can be done. These issues differ from those of other career services directors. The College Placement Council meetings should cover issues such as winning faculty support for CP and evaluating CP and PL services. (Author/BEF)

Recent studies related to community placement of mentally retarded persons are reviewed. Analyses of studies measuring direct behavior change as well as those based upon clinical and qualitative methods are included. The need for additional studies employing both types of methodologies is stressed. (Author)

Review of quantitative outcome research on permanency planning for foster children examines extent to which permanency planning resulted in higher rate of placement of children into presumably permanent homes; presumably permanent placement did not result in return of children to foster care; and children whose placements were guided by permanency…

Reviews the Screening Assessment for Gifted Elementary Students (SAGES) noting that, unlike most instruments currently used to identify children who may qualify for gifted education programs, this test was designed specifically for that purpose. Notes a secondary purpose of the test is to reduce bias in the testing of gifted children. (NH)

A total of 59 women who relinquished children for adoption were surveyed concerning their demographic characteristics, attitudes about adoption, and experience of grief. Results suggest that the method of adoption used is a significant factor in the grief experienced by biological mothers. (BG)

Literature on deinstitutionalization of mentally retarded persons is reviewed. Cited are studies showing positive aspects, including improved communication abilities, increased adaptive behavior and personal satisfaction. Community adjustment findings focus on effects of involuntary relocation to another facility, age differences, and…

Updates earlier report on the legal environment of the profession of recruitment and placement by addressing three relevant Supreme Court cases and backtracking over some of the equal employment opportunities issues discussed in Part One (Journal of Career Planning and Placement, v 49 n 4 Sum 1989). (NB)

This paper presents the findings of a qualitative, instrumental case study that examined students' academic preparedness, as well as assessment and placement policy in 15 community colleges in 6 states across the country. Although most community colleges mandate basic skills assessment for all entering freshmen, many do not require low-scoring…

This paper synthesizes available research regarding the residence patterns of refugees in the United States. Information is presented on both initial placement and secondary migration. The first section traces the evolution of U.S. policy and outcomes from 1945 to the start of the Indochinese resettlement program in 1975. The second section…