Aspects of the current state of education for learning disabilities (LD) discussed include the theoretical and philosophical orientation, definitions of specific learning disabilities, especially for preschool children, delivery of services, and the role of the LD specialist. (MSE)

The text of a report released by the American Council of Learned Societies is presented, covering: the contemporary view of the humanities, specialization, ideology and objectivity, method and substance, core curriculum, enrollment, teaching, responsibility, interdisciplinary centers, and recommendations. (MLW)

A study investigated graduate medical students' perceptions of the effectiveness of financial incentives in recruitment to primary care residencies. Results indicated that a wide range of incentives is available, the trend is growing, and students find such incentives effective. Concern is voiced about diversion of funds needed for improvement of…

Data from a survey of 2,519 master's degree social workers (MSWs) in 5 fields of practice investigated the frequency with which they performed 131 professional tasks. Results show few meaningful differences in tasks performed in diverse fields, suggesting that specialization by field of practice is less useful than supposed. An "advanced…

A teacher training program has been developed at the University of North Texas, based on the identified transition needs of students with behavioral disorders and the knowledge/skills required by the educator. Participants earn a master's degree in teaching students with behavioral disorders with a specialization in transition. (Author/DB)

Graduates (n=638) of Jefferson Medical College (Pennsylvania) were divided into primary care and nonprimary care physicians and compared on performance measures, professional activities, satisfaction, problems, and research productivities. A logistic regression model could predict primary care-nonprimary care status from specialty interest,…

Data on 997 medical students' attitudes before and after a required 6-week clerkship in family medicine, compared with specialty match data, found that the clerkship had the effects of both value indoctrination and value clarification for students. This effect appeared to persist throughout the third and fourth years. (Author/MSE)

Discusses value and the economy and examines the changing definition of educational value regarding higher education. Trends in instructional technology resulting from changes in expected educational value are described, including resource sharing, specialization, market expansion, privatization, easier human-machine interfaces, feedback systems,…

The current imbalance between teaching basic skills and higher order skills can be addressed by redesigning teaching into two specialized areas. Using the principal-agent model and applying ideas from organization theory, the advantages of restructuring teaching to increase emphasis on problem-solving and higher order skills are discussed. (SLD)

A discussion of the role of graduate education in preparing future college faculty looks at efforts over the last 45 years to integrate graduate study and professional socialization. Issues examined include the importance of specialized academic preparation, the role of teaching assistantships and internships, and the contribution of schools of…

Analysis of data from 53 medical students found a gender-specific correlation between faculty evaluations of clinical clerkships and eventual female student choice of that rotation's specialty and between high mini-Board scores by male students and male selection of that specialty. Substantially more women chose pediatrics residencies than…

The German system for educating and certifying pharmacists is described, including national standards for curriculum content and design, licensing examinations, the structure of graduate study and specialization, and the availability of continuing professional education. (MSE)

A survey of the physician faculty and house staff (n=492) at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center gathered information on physicians' experiences with and recommendations for first postgraduate year curriculum. Almost half the respondents felt the curriculum should be specialty specific, whereas one-third recommended a broad-based,…

A model, dating its foundation to the Milford conferences in the 1920s, is presented that clarifies and advances concepts of both initial and advanced generalist social work. The model focuses on the interface between systems, uses a client-centered and problem-focused philosophy, and involves multiple theories and approaches for improving…

Younger employees in school admissions and records offices wishing to advance within the organization are encouraged to distinguish themselves, find a specialty, focus on customer relations, communicate expectations in leadership situations, keep priorities straight, embrace change and cultivate flexibility, keep integrity intact, and develop a…