Four papers describe systems adopted by public libraries in the United States for computerizing community information services and information and referral programs. Word processing at the Fresno County Information and Referral Network and the automation of library processes in the Pikes Peak Library District are among the topics discussed. (JL)

The writing lab/tutorial program at Syracuse University uses a system of internal communication through recordkeeping that helps maintain continuity between classroom and lab activities. The recordkeeping procedures include referral forms, information forms, conference record sheets and student folders. (JMD)

At Toledo Hospital, family practice residents have assumed responsibility for the normal obstetrics clinic. Specialty consultations are provided by the hospital's obstetrics residency program. A medical audit of the clinic indicates that the family practice residents obtained consultations and made referrals at the appropriate times. (JMD)

The paper describes the referral, diagnostic, interventive, and evaluative procedures used in a self-contained behaviorally oriented noncategorical program for preschool children with speech and language impairments and other developmental delays. (CL)

As this feisty teacher/professor conversation shows, there are no quick fixes for motivating students and maintaining classroom discipline. Teacher education programs should require a comprehensive, teacher-taught course in discipline that includes a full year of student and substitute teaching experience. Professional development schools, team…

A study was conducted of 217 clients with developmental disabilities and behavioral and psychiatric disorders, who had been referred for crisis intervention, to determine what factors predicted their rereferral. Factors included nonfamily residence and self-injurious behavior for those under age 30, and aggression for those over age 30. (CR)

A simulated report of a child referred either for learning disabilities or gifted placement consideration was reviewed by 40 practicing school psychologists. Results indicate that reason for referral resulted in significant levels of bias regarding assessment and recall of the report and classification of the student. (TJH)

Progress toward effective service delivery to young children with handicaps and their families is impeded by lack of coordination at local levels and variations in eligibility requirements and population definitions. A centralized interagency identification/referral program was found to facilitate data utilization for decision-making, interagency…

Four-year colleges and universities (N=184) offering special programs for post-secondary students with learning disabilities were surveyed. Results related to students served, assessment and referral procedures used, academic and nonacademic services offered, and procedures employed for staff training are discussed in this article. (Author)

A total of 951 school psychologists responded to a survey about language learning disabilities and speech/language referral practices. Findings suggest limited training about speech and language disorders and a need to develop greater awareness of appropriate assessment measures among school psychologists. (SLD)

A survey of 277 white, Hispanic, and African-American parents of gifted children found few intergroup differences in either the characteristics that first indicated their child's giftedness or in current attributes of their child. More whites than others, however, requested an evaluation of their child for gifted program placement. (Author/JDD)

These reflections on EC 606 263 (a paper examining the effectiveness of student versus teacher monitoring of behavior of students at risk for referral to special education) examines the development of interest in the topic, acceptability of the interventions to study participants, potential usefulness of the intervention, and evidence of changes…

Regular and special educators (n=192) were assigned a case study describing a student having a learning and/or behavior problem and made a placement decision. Results indicated that regular and special educators were most likely to agree with regular class placement when they were high in both personal efficacy and teaching efficacy. (Author/JDD)

A project designed to facilitate scholarly networking among business administration faculty, thereby contributing to the reputation of colleagues and colleges, used citation analysis to identify invisible college researcher networks and disseminate information about them. Ideas for encouraging networking, including editorial support, journal…

This article discusses components of teacher collaboration, such as working together to prevent learning and behavior problems and to minimize the need for special service referrals; learning to manage the care of students who must be referred; and participating in school-based teams working towards comprehensive integrated, programmatic…