Two studies examined issues related to school discipline in 19 middle schools. Results found there was little evidence of a consistent relationship between the offense and consequence. A disproportionate pattern in the administration of school discipline based on race, socioeconomic status, gender, and disability was also found. (Author/CR)

Twenty-five first-graders referred for special education and 10 control children were administered standardized and experimental tasks. Scores were used to form subgroups based on presence/absence of risk factors (such as poor work-related skills and poor comprehension of discourse), and degree of risk for referral was determined for each…

Examines why seven third-grade teachers modified their skills-based reading and language arts program, and describes the instructional changes they made over a two-year period. Examines changes in students' reading and language arts standardized achievement test scores (increases in 4 classrooms), special education referrals (81% decrease), and…

Kindergarten children (n=161) screened with the "Early Prevention of School Failure" (EPSF) measure were examined several years later. Students who had been retained, referred to special education, or placed in special education demonstrated significantly lower EPSF scores. The fine motor and auditory modalities were the most powerful…

Results of a questionnaire completed by 69 British parents of children with special educational needs who were protected by a formal statement indicated that parents do not always understand the procedures for assessment and "statementing" of their child's needs, and that parents are generally satisfied with their communication with…

This article proposes criteria for selecting Spanish-speaking interpreters for communicating with families of students being considered for special education placement. It discusses responsibilities of interpreters, potential problems in using interpreters, and elements of a management system and training program for interpreters and school…

Comparison of three methods of surveying employers concerning quality of employees' college education suggests a mailed survey for graduates and employers can be effective if the graduate's permission for contacting the employer is obtained on the initial questionnaire and if employers must differentiate among listed job characteristics and…

Argues that librarians should respond to the growing demand for medical information by expanding their role. The development of medical information reference, issues of accountability, legal responsibility, and user characteristics are discussed. Seven steps toward accountability, including in-depth reference interviewing, referral, training, and…

Describes a multifaceted evaluation of the Brandeis model of reference services, which included how the model was defined, direct observation of librarians, unobtrusive study, and a focus group project to gauge patron response. Results of the study and needed improvements are discussed. A sidebar article describes the Brandeis model. (22…

Discusses circumstances that lead to a child's sudden departure from a school. Provides school administrators and teachers with suggestions for ways to ease children's sudden departure from a school. (BB)

In a survey of 96 New England transition classroom teachers, characteristics of transition classes and criteria for assignment to transition classes were identified. Most programs were reported to be child-centered, and socioemotional development was reported to be the most important criterion for selecting children for inclusion in transition…

Sixteen articles dealing with prereferral intervention were examined to determine its effect on special education service delivery practices, student performance, teacher abilities and attitudes, and disability classification rate, as well as to identify types of interventions used. Findings indicated that prereferral intervention can increase…

This article on the changing role of residential schools for students with visual impairments considers residential schools' emerging role as resource and demonstration centers, working with local schools to combine resources and increase success of mainstreamed students, and their potential roles in information and referral services and research.…

Evaluated consultation program that provided direct academic intervention in regular classroom for children at risk for failure. Data indicated that teachers had increased requests for consultation to meet student needs; that, in comparison to other schools, participating school had qualified fewer children for special education services; and that…

Liberty High School is a one-year transitional school in New York City dedicated to helping immigrant students feel welcome, adjust to their new environment, learn to read and write in English, and become self-assured. Led by a "hands-on" principal, the school specializes in life skills and free clinic referrals. (MLH)