Reports on an investigation into the types of writing placement that institutions are currently using, in addition to the kinds of writing courses offered. Outlines current writing placement procedures in hope of spurring further professional conversations concerning these practices. (HB)

In examining the disproportionate representation of minority groups in special education, this article recommends the inclusion of philosophical and ethical perspectives to broader theoretical paradigms and the open acknowledgement in research efforts that issues related to ethnicity, race, and language background are highly contentious in our…

The experiences of two students with deaf-blindness who were placed in a gifted and talented program at a public junior high school illustrate the importance of providing adequate transitional support for students with deaf-blindness. Their successful transition from a residential program to the gifted and talented program is described. (CR)

Data on the placement of over 3,389 English and Welsh children with Down syndrome (born between 1980 and 1992) were collected over the 12-year period studied. Analysis showed an increase in the proportion of children attending mainstream schools and a disproportionate number of boys in special schools. (Author/CR)

One hundred Arizona elementary and secondary principals were asked to detail their responsibilities in human-resource administration; 74 responded. Specifically, staff selection, staff assignment, and organizational climate received responses above the 90% level, followed by staff development, staff evaluation, and staff orientation--all basic…

Examines the American high school system, focusing on Advanced Placement (AP) physics, and the role of specialist mathematics, science, and technology high schools. Considers how these ideas could contribute to science curriculum development in Great Britain. (DDR)

Presents the key elements and documented outcomes of multisystemic therapy (MST), which, to date, is the only treatment for serious delinquent behavior that has demonstrated short- and long-term outcomes with violent and chronic juvenile offenders and their families from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds. (Author)

Describes a study done at Suffolk County Community College (New York) that assessed the validity of the College Board's Computerized Placement Test in Reading Comprehension (CPT-R) by comparing test results of 1,154 freshmen with the results of the Degree of Power Reading Test. Results confirmed the CPT-R's reliability in identifying basic…

Discusses possible reasons for U.S. gifted students' underachievement on the Third International Mathematics and Science Study. Homework, class time, and television viewing are similar elsewhere. Previous learning, negative reform effects, middle-school practices, nonrigorous coursework, curriculum deficiencies, and stress on potential over…

Describes and contrasts different methods of estimating costs of standardized testing. Using a cost-accounting approach, compares gross and marginal costs and considers testing objects (test materials and services, personnel and student time, and administrative/building overhead). Social marginal costs of replacing existing tests with a national…

This survey of 336 New Mexico regular and special educators investigated their perceptions of the benefits and problems of inclusion. Results indicated skepticism and a mixed opinion about potential benefits of inclusion and an overwhelming expectation that problems would be inherent in a unified system of education. (CR)

Describes a one-unit job placement course that offers candidates for jobs in English departments realistic, intensive, and responsible preparation for academic or nonacademic careers. Appends the course description for the job placement seminar. (RS)

Discusses the demography of Asian Pacific-American (APA) students, documents the incidence of exceptional students by selected disability categories over 10 years, and discusses implications. Data are from the U.S. Census and the Office of Civil Rights. Findings raise questions about the validity of the identification process for gifted,…

Discusses issues related to implementing the new discipline provisions in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997. Litigation that led to the new provisions is described, along with issues relating to conducting functional assessments, making a manifestation determination, generating interim placements, and cessation of…

The problem of inequitable teacher-placement policies is examined in relation to policy and practices reforms. Further research would help to understand the circumstances that contribute to limited access to quality teaching for low-income students. Policy changes based on a combination of political and economic factors that influence the…