For 40 gifted students, the mean Full Scale score of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised was 13.52 points higher than the mean composite score of the Stanford-Binet, Fourth Edition (Binet-IV). Between the two instruments, 11 of 15 possible subscale correlations were significant. Use of the Binet-IV might result in placement of…

This study examined placement patterns of students with severe disabilities in three states, to analyze factors influencing national monitoring and reporting of least restrictive environment issues. The study found that the means by which states collect child count data to report to the federal government are inadequate to meet present…

This article refutes six myths associated with schools for students who are blind or visually impaired, such as specialized schools segregate and overprotect students from the real world, are for students with multiple disabilities only, and do not provide interaction with nondisabled children. These myths preclude some students from being…

In 1987-88, advanced placement courses were offered by only 39 of South Carolina's 58 small rural high schools, compared to 100 percent of all other high schools. Distance learning systems, such as the Star Schools Project, provide a feasible option to expand the curriculum in small rural high schools. (SV)

This study shows that a placement test cannot only be examined for items that display differential item functioning (DIF) by using an item response theory, but also that the identification of potential sources for these DIF items can be attempted and short- and long-term measures to reduce DIF can then be proposed. (JL)

The General Educational Development Tests can be used to place adult basic education students for study, to measure progress achieved, to enable students to qualify for postsecondary education, and to evaluate program effectiveness. (SK)

Examined records of 137 students to determine extent to which preassessment data (teacher referral information and standardized reading test scores) could predict handicapping classifications decided on by child-study teams. Results indicated that preassessment data could successfully predict handicapped classifications of most special education…

Presents effective ways to combine classic political science readings with outside-the-classroom research assignments. Gives examples of projects that have worked well in preparing students for the United States government and politics advanced placement examination. (DB)

A study involving 322 children whose individualized education programs contained goals and objectives that require vision or orientation and mobility services found that most were placed in full or part-time regular classrooms and that the most frequently reported services included ordering books and materials and Braille reading and writing. (CR)

Resolving the perennial problem of substitute teachers' high turnover and low availability is feasible, if principals welcome, orient, and assign them properly. Regular teachers should prepare a folder containing class lists, daily schedules, seating charts, expectations of students, and meaningful lesson plans. Substitutes should be treated as…

Encourages parents and educators to apply political pressure through advocacy to make policymakers aware of special education issues concerning the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Discusses the importance of being familiar with current law, knowing how to obtain services, and being an advocate on a global level. Reminds individuals…

Discusses the Advanced Placement (AP) Physics program in the U.S. in terms of which of its aspects may be applied to education in the United Kingdom. Suggests that a British AP scheme giving access to introductory-level college physics for the brightest students may be needed in light of proposed A-level curriculum changes in the U.K. (Author/WRM)

A survey of 460 parents of children with mental retardation found that perceptions of inclusion were significantly influenced by characteristics of the parent and the child as well as by factors associated with the child's placement history. Factors influencing these perceptions differed according to varying dimensions of inclusion being…

Discretion and regulatory flexibility must be managed without violating the amended, reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Misbehaving disabled students may be removed from their educational placements for 10 consecutive days or less--the same punishment meted out to regular students. Longer-term placements need IEP team…

This study examined effects of a child's diagnosis (autism vs. Down syndrome), age, and current educational placement on parental perceptions toward inclusion. Parents of Down Syndrome children tended to endorse full-time inclusion, whereas parents of children with autism endorsed part-time mainstreaming. Parents of younger children and parents of…