Notes that research on the use of networked information resources, like any kind of social science involving the study of human subjects, raises ethical questions. The tension between traditional research guidelines and new technologies is discussed; public/private distinctions and informed consent are addressed; and possible solutions are…

This paper discusses historical efforts to integrate social competence into a definition of mental retardation; presents a reconceptualized model of mental retardation as a condition characterized by deficits in social, practical, and conceptual intelligence; and argues that a definition of mental retardation based on social competence outcomes…

Clinical supervision stresses face-to-face encounters with individual teachers about a specific teaching/learning situation. The process incorporates the use of specific objective data forming the basis for collaborating and aimed at instructional improvement. The five stages are preobservation conference, classroom observation, data and strategy…

It is argued that there are particular kinds of literacies, each defined by its own characteristic format, style, and context of use. The significant question for the future is not "How literate?" but "Literate how?" (13 references) (LB)

The cultural interplay in Africa between indigenous, Islamic, and Western legacies has given rise to four language types described as Afro-ethnic, Afro-Islamic, Afro-Western, and Western. Their definitions, tendencies, and characteristics in writing, geographic spread, demographic distribution, and functional value are discussed. (10 references)…

A Toxicologist discusses common misconception that all chemicals are poisonous to people and the environment and how these misconceptions are perpetuated. Describes what makes a chemical toxic. Defines related concepts including dose, acute and chronic toxicity, and natural verses synthetic chemicals. (MCO)

Several different conceptualizations of applied linguistics are evaluated, ranging from "applications of linguistic theory" to alternative models for studying language that extend and complement generative grammar as a theory of language. It is shown that they imply substantive differences in goals, methods, and priorities of language study. (30…

Conducted study to determine extent to which domestic partnership policies were adopted by municipalities, corporations, and organizations. Findings from 14 communities and 9 corporations and private organizations suggest that almost all policies include personal sick leave and bereavement leave, about one-half provide health coverage, and almost…

Redefines literacy and questions the presumption that college students already have it. Discusses Deborah Brandt's "Literacy as Involvement: The Acts of Writers, Readers, and Texts" to place literacy in a social context. Discusses J. Elspeth Stuckey's "The Violence of Literacy" which takes a strong position against regarding…

Discusses definitions and reporting of sexual assault. Concludes that the epidemic of sexual assault suggested by the media reflects a radical feminist attitude which prevents objective analysis and trivializes cases of real abuse. (DM)

Argues for studying technical communication in the larger context of evolving science and technology, developing trends in technical education, and the oratorical tradition of broad learning. Suggests supplementing studies of the workplace with increased attention to humanistic questions of what a person needs to be and know to cooperate…

Notes that students new to technical writing frequently have difficulty grasping the essentiality of technical definitions and learning how to create appropriate definitions. Suggests that exercises centered around a term that is lapsing into obsolescence offer some productive solutions to this common instructional problem. (RS)

States that many economics textbooks define economic rent in 1 of the 2 ways discussed 30 years ago by E. J. Mishan. Contends that the 2 definitions are not substantially different, rendering the dichotomy invalid. Examines 15 microeconomics textbooks to determine whether they validate Mishan's categories of rent definitions. (DB)

Principals are responsible for improving the grading and marking systems in their schools. School administrators should provide leadership for designing, revising, and validating grading systems that meet sound measurement principles, are applied uniformly, and match local needs. This article reviews definitions, operational principles, legal…

Defines "illegeracy," the key legacy of today's failed educational system, as the lack among students of the important cognitive and critical skills necessary for civic understanding. Provides examples of illegeracy among recent students. Suggests the pedagogical consequences of considering students as illegerate. (HB)