Reviews the nature-convention debate over language from the classical period through the 20th century, examining various views as to whether language constitutes a set of wholly arbitrary correspondences between words and things, or correspondences and rules grounded at least partly in something outside language, such as nature. (24 references)…

Comparisons of subjects are specifically objective if they do not depend on the items involved. Such comparisons are not restricted to the one-parameter logistic latent trait model but may also be defined within ordinal independence models and even within the two-parameter logistic model. (Author)

Discusses the ways that the word "quality" can be used in English, as either a noun or an adjective. Outlines numerous ways the word is currently used. (HB)

The definition of mental disorder in the third edition of the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM-III-R) explains that a disorder is harmful and represents a dysfunction, but it fails to capture the idea of dysfunction. Ideas for increasing the conceptual validity of the definition are presented. (SLD)

Introductory comments to a special journal issue on communicative accommodation provide a framework within which the accompanying articles can be examined. Terminology and field methods are described for this frontier area of sociolinguistic study and more sociolinguistic analysis is advocated. (50 references) (LB)

Discusses the common assumptions and the political underpinnings of three approaches to literacy: imperial, colonial, and liberatory literacy. (SR)

Examines the relative effectiveness of dictionary definitions and definitions revised to address problems found in traditional definitions. Finds that revised definitions led to significantly more responses that demonstrated a characteristic use of the word. Concludes that revised definitions were more effective in helping students understand…

Without a definition of good teaching, the supervisor's efforts to help teachers improve will probably be fragmented, and teacher improvement may not occur. This article examines three definitions of good teaching, presents and defends a certain definition, and suggests supervisory applications. Good teachers are proficient in the kinds of…

Reviews multiple definitions and theories of leadership, and suggests that traditional leadership thinking, drawn mostly from the business world, may not be fully appropriate to early childhood. Underscores the importance of shared leadership in early childhood settings. Suggests that early childhood pedagogy and practice have much to contribute…

This response to Stanovich (EC 607 092) considers the relationship between rationality and intelligence. It sees rationality as a relatively minor part of intelligence and proposes the concept of practical intelligence (or the lack thereof) as an alternative to Stanovich's concept of dysrationalia. (DB)

This paper responds to reactions to the proposal of a new learning disability, dysrationalia, by suggesting that alternative ideas of "practical intelligence" are equally inexact, that rationality must be defined broadly, and that epistemological relativism can be carried too far. (DB)

Urges standardization of basic concepts in sociology. Refutes claims that standard concepts are not needed and cannot be made because sociological concepts are too context dependent and sociologists too individualistic. Insists that standardization be limited to concepts used by the discipline as a whole. Suggests that a committee be established…

Considers it imperative that counselors engaged in multicultural counseling have understanding of what is meant by culture. Suggests that philosophical assumptions underlying worldview, the deep structure of culture, provide framework for better understanding cultural differences. Contends that viewing culture from this holistic perspective…

Many variations of psychosocial rehabilitation programs and their unclear relationship to the psychosocial rehabilitation construct have increased the probability of threats to construct validity of putative causes, resulting in potential confounding in investigator interpretation. As a minimum, comprehensive and concise operational definitions of…

Geography does not make community, nor does membership or casual affiliation. When the school functions as a community, its constituents associate, share common educational values, and become responsible for one another. As this journal issue shows, teachers are not isolated practitioners but professionals integrated into the web of community and…