This article describes results of a survey of licensed Midwestern school-based speech-language pathologists (N=326) regarding methods used to assess the language of children ages 3 to 5 years, 6 to 11 years, and 12 to 18 years. Striking similarities were found in methods used for each age group. The relationship of these methods to recommended…

This article discusses communicative intent in persons with severe intellectual disability in the context of intervention studies reporting the acquisition of graphic symbol use. The article reviews communicative intent as formulated within psycholinguistic models of language acquisition which emphasize pragmatics and the functions of…

This article advocates functional strategy assessment in the formulation of intervention hypotheses intended to improve the academic performance of students with emotional and behavioral disorders. A functional strategy assessment model is presented, and two case illustrations are offered to demonstrate the model's feasibility. Examples of…

The role of family relational problems in the assessment and treatment of psychopathology in children, including the relationship between family and individual disorders, is considered. The study of family relational problems is placed in historical and theoretical contexts and in relationship to assessment issues. Current diagnosis and…

A 6-step assessment-based process allows teachers to gather information to make better decisions about curriculum adjustments, program planning, and supporting student needs. Steps include identifying the purpose of the decision, identifying necessary questions, deciding the type of information needed to answer the questions, and determining how…

Examines the ethical questions involved in intervening when a student has emotional difficulties. Particularly asks how adjunct faculty can be prepared to handle these situations, given their busy schedules and minimal institutional involvement. Describes the student assistance program (SAP), a committee that offers guidance to faculty and…

A pilot study examined effects of pre- and peri-adoption therapy on adoptive placements of 13 children who had been in foster care and who had been identified as "emotionally unstable." Intervention included counseling with licensed therapists and other services, such as parent education to ease the transition into permanency. Findings…

In a culturally competent diabetes self-management intervention in Starr County, Texas, bilingual Mexican American nurses, dieticians, and community workers provided weekly instruction on nutrition, self-monitoring, exercise and other self-care topics. A biweekly support group promoted behavior change. Interviews and examinations with 256 Mexican…

A meta-analysis of 30 studies found the following learner characteristics influenced the treatment responsiveness of early literacy interventions: rapid naming; problem behavior; phonological awareness; alphabetic principle; memory; IQ; and demographics. With the exception of the demographic category, the obtained effect sizes for the primary…

Describes different approaches used to increase parent-child communication about sexuality and summarizes studies that have measured their impact. Focuses primarily on the impact of programs on parent-child communication, but also summarizes the limited research on the impact of such programs on adolescent sexual behavior, or on other determinants…

Discussion of the case method of instruction (CMI) in early intervention personnel preparation offers information on selecting quality cases, preparing for case discussion, facilitating case discussion, and evaluating learner outcomes. Strategies described were field-tested and validated with 128 early intervention instructors who participated in…

This article analyzes factors related to bringing research-validated practices to scale to enable implementation of responsiveness-to- intervention models in special education. Key components of effective literacy programs are discussed, along with findings from reading intervention research. The need for professional collaboration among…

Two elementary schools were studied over two years of a schoolwide program to improve service delivery to students with behavior problems. Program components included an advisory committee, schoolwide organizational practices, schoolwide classroom management intervention, and individual behavioral interventions. Target students displayed improved…

This article documents the responses of a state-supported residential high school for gifted students following the 1994 suicides of three students. The school's measures to develop a screening procedure, design a prevention program, disseminate information about adolescent suicide, and host a conference are outlined, as is a separate crisis…

Examined attitudes of 71 kindergarten and first-grade children regarding the capabilities of disabled children and the potential for friendship, and assessed the effectiveness of children's literature and related activities in influencing attitudes toward the disabled. Found that children's attitudes were generally positive and realistic, and that…