This paper conceptualizes transition as an outcome-oriented process leading to quality of life for individuals with disabilities. The paper discusses theoretical issues pertaining to the definition and conceptualization of quality of life, research findings in this area, and issues that should be addressed in the future. (Author/JDD)

Analysis of 85 journal articles and 36 doctoral theses disseminated in Canada revealed that the functionalist definition of learning disability and the assumption of specific etiology remain fixed in Canadian special education research. This finding suggests the need to introduce an ecological perspective in future studies of learning disability.…

Presents the definition of transfer proposed by the Center for the Study of Community Colleges. Reviews research utilizing this definition to establish transfer rates from two- to four-year colleges. Underscores the value of a consistent definition of transfer, urging community colleges to collect and report their own transfer data. (DMM)

This paper considers cross-cultural definitional issues and research directions in the area of child maltreatment. Vulnerable categories of children and circumstances in which children are at greater risk of maltreatment are identified. The embeddedness of child rearing in social networks and the impact of rapid change are discussed. (JDD)

The report of the 1990 Joint Committee on Health Education Terminology provides a common interpretation of terms frequently used by health educators in many settings. Terminology is broken down into contextual definitions, primary health education definitions, definitions related to community settings, and definitions related to educational…

Conducted survey of state universities (N=13) offering comprehensive services for learning-disabled college students to determine learning disability program characteristics. Found most institutions offered basic support services but of varying quality. Found respondent inconsistencies in identification, assessment, and diagnosis of learning…

Asked 462 university students whether or not each of 16 scenarios represented "family" to ascertain their perceptions of "family." Found that all respondents considered traditional nuclear unit as family, and majority perceived marital status and parental status to be important features when defining family. Respondents tended to exclude…

Examines attitudes about and exposure to sexually explicit materials for 663 predominantly Caucasian college students (52.4% males and 47.6% females). Most agree on a general definition of pornography and think that sexually explicit materials should be available to adults. College students do not seem more liberal than the general population.…

In a time of unprecedented information growth and rapid social change, the school library program should shift from collecting resources to developing a community of learners. The Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning should help students become lifelong learners, think critically and ethically, and develop social responsibility. (10…

Identifies some of the inherent problems involved in, and presents a differentiated definition of, "developmentally appropriate programming and practices" that specifically targets the special needs of young gifted children. A Multidimensional Curriculum Model is introduced which can be used to design developmentally-based curricula appropriate…

Compares some Western and Russian school-management approaches. Drawing on Larry Cuban's work, reveals differences in language and terms used; shows deep cultural differences in how scholars study the field; explains difficulties in performing some transcultural reconceptualizations; and demonstrates how alien approaches can facilitate scholars'…

Discusses provisions of interest to college administrators and faculty in the 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act, focusing on two sections: limitations on infringement liability for "service providers," and prohibitions on circumvention of technological-protection measures. Definitions and legal implications are examined, and actions…

Responds to this issue's initial article that presents 22 sequentially structured statements on the nature and origin of human abilities, gifts, and talents. Suggests putting aside the terms "gifted" and "talented," creating a hierarchical or categorical list of abilities, and downplaying the dichotomous conceptualization of nature and nurture.…

A study investigated the effects of a more restrictive standard discrepancy model (SDM) on the learning-disability placement patterns of 4,100 students in Mississippi. Limiting eligibility to students who had achievement scores 1 1/2 standard deviations below their Full Scale IQ scores reduced eligible students from 124 to 36. (CR)

Addresses two questions: (1) What is a charter school?; and (2) What does the creation of these schools mean for music teachers and music-education programs? Defines charter schools, discusses their emergence, and describes three charter-school music programs. (DSK)