This article addresses the proposal of Shaw and others (1995) to replace the current federal definition of learning disabilities with an operationalized version proposed by the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities in the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Comparison of Shaw's recommendations with…

Deconstructs certain naturalizing features of the concept "Asian American" in contemporary discourse, and argues the term is now obsolete and detrimental for political purposes. The author suggests an active practice of coming to terms with ever-changing social conditions, an exercise that may change what Asian American means, while…

This paper explores the tendency to regard the terms "emotional abuse" and "psychological abuse" as interchangeable. Existing commonly used definitions are reviewed, and new definitions are provided. Differences between mental and emotional consequences of child abuse are delineated and the implications of these differences for terminology usage…

These suggestions for teachers of gifted students with hearing impairments address definitional dilemmas affecting this population and special screening and evaluation problems. Guidance is given concerning choosing a "gifted" definition, selecting measures for identifying giftedness, and determining the reference group. Teachers are urged to look…

A pentagonal implicit theory of giftedness and five criteria for designating a person as gifted are considered. Research with 24 college students and 39 parents of gifted children assessed whether this theory captures people's intuitions about giftedness and whether they use these criteria to evaluate others. Implications for educational practice…

Responses from 251 of 831 public sector administrators yielded no single idea or definition of work force diversity; 43.5% believed it was the same as equal employment opportunity/affirmative action, 40.5% thought it was different. Of individual characteristics of diversity, 94.9% selected race, 85.1% gender. Existing diversity programs were…

This introduction to several articles on attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) notes the confusion in terminology and the emphasis in the articles on use of a collaborative treatment approach, recommendations for practitioners, and service delivery models. (DB)

Similarities and differences between least restrictive environment (LRE) and collaboration are considered. It is suggested that both LRE and collaboration are essential to achieving appropriate education for students with disabilities, but the potential of LRE and collaboration has not yet been fully realized. (SW)

The 1992 American Association on Mental Retardation definition of mental retardation is critiqued. The definition is seen as lacking precision and necessitating identification dependent upon assessment of behavioral dimensions for which there are no reliable measurement instruments. These problems, which are attributed to advocacy concerns, are…

Describes how to illuminate and optically stain slides for microscope use and how to interface a 35mm camera with a microscope using an adaptor. Provides equipment descriptions and sources, details about illumination, image formation, darkfield adaptors, centerable filter adaptors, darkfield stops, rheinburg filters, and choosing specimens to…

Discusses studies of the neurobiology of memory and cognition. Presents the findings of anatomic and physiological studies of monkeys that have led to discoveries about the structure of working memory. (MCO)

Three criticisms of family-centered models of early intervention for individuals with disabilities are put forth: the definition of family is indeterminate; early interventionists bring their own conceptions of the meaning of family to their work; and empirical research about family processes and their relationship to individuals' development is…

Seeds of public education's current failures are found in its past successes (transmitting culture and providing custodial care). Education is experiencing paradigm paralysis because of piecemeal reform approaches, failure to integrate solution ideas, and reductionist, boundary-limiting orientation. The old system is no longer adequate. Total…

Presents a definition matching exercise for students. Offers a list of 20 law-related terms and accompanying definitions. (SG)

Differentiates among renewal, reform, and restructuring activities and intentions in education, highlighting conceptualizations that stress fundamental change. Defines "restructuring" as activities that change fundamental assumptions, practices, and relationships, both within the organization and between the organization and the outside world, in…