Using S. J. Messick's theoretical work concerning construct validity as a guide, underlying hypotheses for investigation when validating placement test decisions are assessed. Guidelines on validating placement decisions are offered, and the hypotheses and guidelines are applied in a validation study of the Written English Expression Placement…

Analysis of Public Law 94-142 (as amended) and of its associated regulations indicates that waivers from the law's requirements are not necessary to initiate experimental programs related to the Regular Education Initiative. Requirements concerned with eligibility, special class placement, and change of placement can be met by innovative…

This article presents a rationale for using curriculum-based measurement (CBM) in making special education eligibility decisions, offers a model of how CBM data can be used to make eligibility decisions, and discusses issues and controversies (such as linking CBM data to intervention and addressing exclusionary components) in using CBM for this…

A study investigated the effectiveness of career information services in British institutions of higher education. A survey of attitudes and information activities in 24 placement services and more detailed analyses of 4 programs are reported. Some good practices are identified, as are shortcomings resulting from indifference, poor communication,…

The Mentorship Program (Metarie, Louisiana) is a career exploration program for gifted high school seniors, involving teacher-directed mentorship preparation activities followed by mentorship placement supported by the gifted education teacher. This article describes student selection, mentor recruitment and selection, student development, and…

Presents journal entries written by college counselor at a U.S. school in Egypt. Entries concern transfer of students to counselor's school from U.S. and international schools in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates during Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990 and difficulties in communicating with U.S. colleges during Persian Gulf…

Arguments against the elimination of special programs for gifted students are presented. Acceleration is seen as a well-supported programing option for gifted students in a time of increasing elimination of gifted programs and increasing use of heterogeneous grouping. (DB)

Considers reasons why students may delay their job-search activity, distinguishing between urgency and importance and noting the possibility of fear of the future. Describes ways for counselors to help students begin their job search. Concentrates on strategies borrowed from the time-management literature. (NB)

Carter reviews changes in the workplace and in campus recruitment procedures that affect student job placement and describes the University of Missouri's job development program (cooperative education, internships, part-time work, work study, service learning, and volunteering). Franta expands on service learning's effect on career development.…

Development of an advanced placement examination and certification program that guarantees admission to foreign universities is discussed as a means of promoting international educational exchange and assuring comparability of academic standards. Use of American advanced placement credentials is already common in some foreign countries. (MSE)

Discussed is how to bridge the gap that separates new high school graduates from good jobs. The obstacles that students face, systems used in other countries for integrating young people into the workforce, the lack of a system in the United States, and key features that are needed for effective school-to-work transition programs are described.…

A survey of 50 state language coordinators, conducted to examine criteria for determining which students with developmental delays will receive language services, found that decisions were primarily made on a case-by-case basis. The paper discusses the relationship between language and cognitive development and theories of cognitive development of…

Two parents recount experiences in keeping their severely physically disabled daughter in regular classes within their neighborhood school against the stated policy and pressures of the school system. Stressed is the value of group action by parents and the power of individuals speaking up. (DB)

A survey of 402 teachers of students with behavior disorders gathered information on classroom conditions, perceptions of collegial and administrative support, job satisfaction, and professional judgment regarding student placement. Results indicate that teachers work in relative isolation and are moderately satisfied with their jobs. (Author/JDD)

Analysis of placement recommendations made by 98 Israeli professionals to parents of newborns with Down's syndrome found that recommendations were influenced by parental variables such as education, occupational status, religiosity, attitude toward the pregnancy, age, and living location; child's birth order; professional category (nurse,…