A study analyzed relationships of 7 institutional characteristics and 5 fund-raising outcomes over 605 institutions in 10 types. Statistical analysis was used to describe how relationships of characteristics and outcomes vary by institution type and specific donor and to identify institutions with effective fund-raising programs based on…

A study involving elementary school students in three age groups examined two explanations for the finding that young children tend to classify objects according to similarity relations, whereas adults emphasize dimensional structure. Results countered the view that children perceive objects according to a more primitive holistic structure. (RH)

In response to Larry Silver (EC 231 774) concerning whether attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder is a learning disability via a related disorder, this article proposes an interactional perspective that stresses the educational needs of the child within his/her total environmental context. It also summarizes the current empirical and clinical…

This paper discusses studies of visual dyslexia, the nature of visual processes involved in word recognition, and the contribution of visual memory to word recognition. The paper concludes that, though defects in the physiological aspects of visual processing can lead to reading difficulties, evidence does not indicate the existence of visual…

This article presents an overview of literature relating to a nonverbal learning disabilities subtype. The article addresses the relationship between nonverbal learning disabilities and socioemotional functioning, generalizability of research outcomes, individual differences, and treatment validity. (Author/JDD)

Examination of the role of psychometrics in the development of multiple-choice tests and performance-based assessments and consideration of validity and reliability issues leads to this conclusion: Choice of assessments for instruction or large-scale accountability depends on which is more appropriate for the particular purposes. Taxonomic…

Reviews trends in social work assessment that are likely to shape future of clinical practice. Contends that, in contrast to rich contextual information provided by traditional psychosocial approaches to assessment, classification systems like Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Third Edition, Revised) can lead to…

This paper examines the extent to which the 1992 American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR) definition of mental retardation provides decision rules to guide clinicians and researchers in classification efforts. The paper examines concerns about the intelligence quotient criterion, the adaptive skill areas, and proposed differentiation by…

Describes a project to help students shift from the precision they expect in science to the more ambiguous nature of taxonomy. Students are asked to project themselves 500 years into the future when, as a result of humankind's pollution, there are only 10 remaining organisms. Some organisms are unlike any previously known. Students name and…

In their book entitled Scientific Knowledge, Barry Barnes, David Bloor, and John Henry repudiate the notion that physical environment plays no role in the creation of scientific knowledge, thereby removing a major bone of contention between scientists and practitioners of the sociology of scientific knowledge. A physicist discusses ways in which…

Examines some medical classification systems with a long history--notably the "International Classification of Diseases (ICD)." States that this classification scheme retains many traces of its own administrative and organizational past in its current form. Suggests that ICD, like other large-scale classification systems, performs so…

One requirement of reflective conceptual change by teachers is the need to map classroom situations onto situations that are subjected to educational research. A classification of instructional-learning episodes is presented as an instrument to facilitate this mapping. Using the instrument in teacher training and educational research is discussed.…

Presents a system of classification for describing computer-based assessment techniques based on the level of action and educational activity they offer. Illustrates 10 computer-based assessment techniques and discusses their educational value. Contains 14 references. (Author)

Explores the ways in which error in measurement related to educational standards and the classification of people in educational settings is obscured in most of the practical events involving the assessment of individuals. Establishes the centrality of the measurement of educational standards to the "production" and control of the individual in…

Presents evidence to show variability across states in the use of the severe-emotional-disturbance designation for students and the frequency of comorbid and trimorbid cases being classified as learning disabled. Findings are presented from ongoing projects to illustrate differential profiles for comorbid children. (Author/CR)