This study examined the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in special education children (n=581) and children (n=135) referred to a tertiary-care specialty clinic for learning disabilities and ADHD. Prevalence rates varied depending on whether teacher ratings alone, parent ratings alone, or a combination were used.…

This article examines the legal responsibilities of teachers, counselors, and administrators to report suspected child abuse. It provides a definition of child abuse and neglect as well as practical information on recognizing abuse and reporting it to the appropriate authorities. (DB)

Discusses the creation of a positive classroom climate, examines four dimensions of classroom climate (physical, academic, organizational, and social-emotional), and reviews techniques that teachers can use to promote a positive classroom climate. Teachers need to get to know their students, discuss the course objectives with their students, and…

Argues that the choice of method for constructing concepts such as family and household does matter but that there is no a priori link between method and construction or between method and epistemological position. The extent of overlap between constructs produced by different methods must be investigated rather than assumed. (LKS)

Examines the acceptance of, and expectations of, sexual aggression in common dating situations for 546 college students who completed a measure of rape acceptance beliefs. Results suggest that a consensus on definitions of unacceptable behavior is emerging among males and females, although differences in expectations remain. (SLD)

This paper argues that using intelligence as an aptitude benchmark in defining reading disability conceals unsupported assumptions about educational potential and makes it difficult to differentiate the cognitive characteristics of dyslexic children from those of other poor readers. The use of a more educationally relevant aptitude measure such as…

This study of 1,657 children (ages 7-16) found that although children with dyslexia had higher intelligence quotient scores than poor readers, the 2 groups did not differ in performance on reading, spelling, phonological processing, or most language and memory tasks. The performance of both reading-disabled groups was significantly below that of…

This study of 640 twins with reading disability and 436 controls (mean age 12) examined external validity of the distinction between specific reading retardation and reading backwardness, in 3 domains: genetic etiology, sex ratio and clinical correlates, and neuropsychological profiles. There was no evidence of differential genetic etiology of the…

As higher education institutions increase their use of distance teaching methods and materials, they will be increasingly accused of bias in selection of materials and design of curriculum and therefore of misrepresentation of content issues. Such judgments must be made within the discipline and not by administrative or external authorities. (MSE)

Discusses homosexuality, homosexual adolescents in out-of-home care settings, and factors that can help make placement in residential facilities a more positive experience for homosexual adolescents. (HTH)

To teach critical thinking, teachers should (1) define critical thinking liberally enough to encompass affective responses, creativity, and flexibility; (2) respect their students; (3) discuss values and accept shifting values; (4) be receptive to change; and (5) be able to explain the epistemology of a subject. (GFW)

Two key concepts in diagnosing learning disabilities ("severe discrepancy" and "process dysfunction") are reviewed, and their relationship to the habilitation of learning is discussed. Guidelines are given for calculating a severe discrepancy, and the evaluation of processing skills is discussed. Strength models of remediation…

Discusses the role of libraries and library staff in helping society grapple with the ramifications of multiculturalism. Definitions of multiculturalism, steps in creating a diverse library staff, training needs, and dealing with charges of political correctness are addressed. A graphic model of stages in the process of developing a multicultural…

Describes how teachers can transform self-regulated learning theory and research into classroom practice. Defines the concept and discusses the costs of encouraging student dependency, the benefits of nurturing student self-regulation, and implementation recommendations. Teachers should model self-regulatory attitudes and behaviors, incorporate…

Explores issues involved in using assessments to define standards and encourage efforts to meet them and compares the European examination system with the American testing system. Also considered are issues of the definition of learning domains in ways that do not encourage narrowly focused training on specific assessment items. (SLD)