A synthesis of eight studies, involving 442 students, that examined the perceptions of students with learning disabilities concerning their educational settings resulted in five overall findings, including (1) most students preferred to receive specialized instruction outside of the general education classroom for part of the school day and (2)…

In a survey of 46 Memphis-area high-school teachers, 72 percent of respondents reported having disabled students in their classes, but most felt inadequately prepared to teach them. About 85 percent thought that including severely disabled kids in neighborhood schools would necessitate substantial teacher retraining. (Contains 12 references.) (MLH)

A questionnaire containing a teacher-efficacy scale, a hypothetical case report, and questions about teacher background was completed by 116 certified teachers of students with visual impairments. The study found that a teacher's current job placement (whether in a local or special school) was the most distinctive teacher variable affecting the…

This article briefly defines phonological core deficits in cases of dyslexia; considers student classification based on federal and state learning disability placement guidelines; and suggests 10 interventions such as teaching metacognitive strategies, providing direct instruction in language analysis and the alphabetic code, and teaching reading…

Shows how the writing of Asian American students often exhibits features that cause the students to be placed in ESL programs, but argues that these nonstandard forms should be seen as part of a dialect of English. Argues that teachers should be careful about assigning such students to ESL classes, which may be inappropriate and ineffective. (SR)

Questionnaires completed by 47 experts in the inclusion of students with disabilities indicate they defined the term "inclusion" to include placement in natural typical settings, all students together for instruction and learning, supports and modifications within general education, belongingness and acceptance, and collaborative integrated…

Examines the mechanics of a large-scale writing portfolio assessment at the University of Michigan, including its impact on matriculation and placement; students' reactions to the requirement; and instructors' evaluation of the efficacy of placements under the new system. Examines the scoring process used by readers to assess portfolios, and…

Describes the mission of Florida State University's Career Center. Explains activities of its units: Curricular-Career Information Service, Career Experience Opportunities (cooperative education/internship), Career Placement Services, and the Center for the Study of Technology in Counseling and Career Development. (SK)

This article examines a 1995 treatment validity model as a framework for identifying learning disabilities. This model: (1) examines both student performance and responsiveness to instruction; (2) delays special education referral until the effects of individual student adaptations in the regular classroom have been explored; and (3) verifies that…

This article provides quotations from parents and students and offers their perceptions of programs in which the students were enrolled and the professionals dealing with their children. This is followed by five case studies in the form of personal narratives by two students with disabilities (Down Syndrome and emotionally disturbed/learning…

A survey of 65 elementary, junior, and high school principals investigated attitudes toward and knowledge of inclusion. No clear definition of inclusion emerged, but principals generally viewed inclusion as most appropriate for students with mild disabilities. Also, results indicated that teachers were not adequately prepared to implement…

This article examines the key issues of motivation, peer relationships, and identity as they pertain to adolescents with hearing impairments. These issues are discussed within the framework of the social and psychological development of adolescents who can hear and then are connected to research with adolescents with hearing impairments. (Contains…

Surveyed public elementary schools to determine whether they used special-education personnel on their intervention-assistance teams, grouping schools according to their inclusion or noninclusion of special educators and comparing the groups for rate of student retentions and special-education referrals. There were fewer retentions and…

Discusses the choice of an English placement test. Suggests that English language screening decisions need to be examined from within the context of a particular institution's situation. Provides questions to be addressed before choosing an appropriate screening device. (Author/VWL)

This article provides a summary of research in 4 areas that have direct and important implications for evidence-based assessment of children and adolescents with conduct problems (CP): (a) the heterogeneity in types and severity of CP, (b) common comorbid conditions, (c) multiple risk factors associated with CP, and (d) multiple developmental…