After a discussion of definitional issues, the article reports on a prospective follow-up study of 600 children with early speech/language impairments which found an increased prevalence of both learning disability (LD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with LD strongly associated with ADHD in both initial and follow-up samples.…

A study assessed the effectiveness of a computer software program in teaching a list of unfamiliar words to eleventh graders, by comparing the program's instructional approach, which incorporates definitional and contextual word knowledge, with approaches that use definitional or contextual information only. A modified mixed approach proved most…

Uses qualitative research methods (interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis) to determine whether a rural midwestern high school's restructuring process serves particular values and silences others. Findings showed lack of consideration for social power and student identity issues. Basic restructuring elements (outcome-based…

Adopting an outcome-based system at Minnesota's State Arts High School has produced sweeping changes that transcend curriculum reorganization, ungraded report cards, and a revised daily schedule. The school prints outcomes on students' course report forms, or student learning plans; teachers indicate performance levels of…

Provides a brief history of articulation, along with a description of the relationship between technical preparation/associate degree (TPAD) programs and articulation. Includes definitions of key terms (e.g., advanced placement, advanced skills, and 2+2). Lists the benefits of TPAD programs and recommends steps to realize benefits. (MAB)

Examines the current status of school, family, and community partnerships, reviews partnership research, and makes recommendations for further research. Researchers should begin with multiple, detailed case studies, define terms precisely, clarify outcomes, understand partnership theory and activities, involve participants, use objective measures,…

Alternative perspectives are presented on the issue of rational suicide. An operational definition is provided; areas needing clarification are highlighted. The meta-issues are reviewed with regard to specific points raised by Lokhandwala and Westefeld. Concerns with research often cited to question the possibility of rational suicide are…

Responds to the debate on how evaluation processes can reward individual differences, and at the same time ensure quality-control across the board. A review is provided of types of evaluation and suggestions are offered for the development of successful, institutionally appropriate evaluation plans. (Author/VWL)

Principals of site-based managed schools face numerous special-education program implementation challenges, such as appropriate committee compositions, inconsistent service delivery decisions across schools, interschool isolation, deflection of advocates, and policy guidance problems. Principals are ill-trained for inclusion and special-education…

Presents a definitional framework of self-determination as an important educational outcome for students with disabilities. It identifies essential characteristics of self-determination and discusses developmental aspects of self-determination. Implications for educational intervention during the early childhood, elementary, and secondary years…

Examined individual growth rates in definitional skill over a period of 3 to 6 years, for 68 low-income children. Results of the study support the notion that definitional skill is related to being part of an academic culture; low-income mothers, whose formal schooling is complete, generally do not give oral definitions to simple nouns as well as…

Presents a word and number puzzle designed to familiarize students with law terms and their definitions. The puzzle consists of definitions followed by a sequence of numbers. The law term fitting the definition can be revealed by applying a number-letter key that is provided. Suitable for copying as a handout. (MJP)

History (embodied in Horace Mann's "nonsectarian" Protestant practices) reminds us that today's "generalized spirituality," if encouraging students to explore the inner life and ultimate questions, will not free public schools from anti-Establishment Clause claims. However, First Amendment neutrality does not mean being neutral…

A study explored the extent to which the characteristics and experiences of 46 mental-health professionals, 48 legal professionals, 60 medical professionals, 49 educators, 61 parents, and 59 nonparents, influenced their definitions of abuse and neglect. Results indicate professional experience with child maltreatment has greater influence than…

Provides definitions of various types of studies used to measure the impact of interventions with children having speech, language, and hearing disorders. Describes studies initiated by the American Speech Language Hearing Association to evaluate various interventions. (DB)