Industrial Arts education is examined in retrospect and through current efforts to determine its identity. The three positions examined are: Occupational Oriented, Industry-Technology Oriented, and Technology Oriented. (GR)

Presents a typology for differentiating between varying definitions of educational needs. The typology is based on the assessment of learner competence, motivation, and the relevance of the learning activity. A case study to test the typology investigates the degree of interdependence of these elements in the assessment of learner needs.…

Offers examples of innovative approaches to teaching the new microcomputer vocabulary. (Available from: Modern Learning Publishers, Inc., 6517 Liggett, Oakland, CA 94611, $14.) (AEA)

This introduction to a special section on evaluation utilization decribes the charge presented to the commissioned authors: to clarify what is meant by evaluation utilization. The resulting papers are described as presenting a clear rejection of the term utilization and as providing substantial assistance in distinguishing between utilization and…

The authors review findings from research on definition, identification, characteristics, courses, and intervention programs for underachieving gifted students. Among conclusions cited is the need for a more commonly accepted and functional definition and for understanding that underachievement is a pattern typically set in the elementary years.…

The definition of learning disabilities (LD) by the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities emphasizes severity and heterogeneity; focuses attention on the internal nature; eliminates exclusive focus on psychological processing disorders; stresses the cognitive, linguistic, and academic nature of LD; and denies direct causation to other…

The definition of learning disabilities is viewed as ambiguous, confusing, imprecise, and a waste of time. The author cites the possibility of backlash from regular education. (CL)

Formulates some important criteria of a comparative discipline--independent of whichever sphere of knowledge it belongs to--and measures the comparative historical sciences mapped out against criteria. Focuses on the following main points: method, subject, intention, forms, and point of reference or form of reference of comparison. (Author/AH)

Defines various aspects of productivity and indicates appropriate ways of measuring them. The author explains how productivity ratios can be used to evaluate both the technical and allocative efficiency of economic systems. The use of productivity analysis in growth accounting is also examined. (Author/RM)

Problems serving handicapped migrant students in New York are addressed, and possible solutions considered. Among problems are lack of training in identification and referral, confusing definitions and criteria, and inability to use the Migrant Student Record Transfer System effectively. (CL)

Lists and defines a set of 22 basic terms used in descriptions or discussions of word processing systems or operations. (JL)

The purpose of this paper is to show that "freedom" properly understood cannot be an aim or an ideal of education, and that when educators talk of "freedom" as an aim or ideal of education, they usually have in mind the development of autonomy. (Author)

Presents excerpts from a workshop (on change agentry) participant's letter in which he disagrees with equating "covert,""overt," and "infiltrate" with the unethical manipulation of people. He defines covert and overt methods of influencing decision makers and identifies methods that could be borrowed from other areas to broaden options. (Author/JD)