This article reviews the history of educational programs for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in Canada and the United States. It notes the educational options now offered, ranging from separate schools to full integration in public school programs. The greater recognition of American Sign Language and the activism of the deaf community are also…

Suggests a role for "authentic measurement" using performance measures in task-based approaches to assessment and describes the implementation of a task-based, performance-referenced test of English for academic purposes (EAP) developed to place English as a Second Language college students. Results suggest that skills-focused tests of EAP ability…

Student course-taking patterns in seven high schools in California and New York that attempted to enroll lower level math students in more meaningful math courses were studied. Results show that the new transition math courses are partially successful in providing a common curriculum to students with diverse math preparation. (SLD)

Based on research on the geometric understanding of regular and gifted middle school students, this article describes a procedure for assessing geometry readiness in mathematically able middle school students. The procedure utilizes the vanHiele model of stages of geometric understanding and distinguishes between readiness for algebra and…

Discusses ways to support children with partial hearing in the general education classroom. The difficulties children who are hard of hearing have in listening in noisy classrooms is discussed. Teachers are urged to be tolerant of misunderstandings, guard against presumption, give time for auditory processing, and monitor student placement. (CR)

Reviews the historical background of special education as a major factor in the placement of many children with disabilities, and examines data that reveal a disproportionately large number of students in these programs are children of color. Suggestions are offered to help lead to a more equitable placement of all children in appropriate…

This article reviews current candidacy requirements as well as factors that are considered when a child is evaluated for a cochlear implant. It presents procedures for maintaining and troubleshooting the device, and suggestions for establishing routines for device use and for improving the listening environment for children in classrooms.…

Using detailed information from the records of Australian students, found that in English and mathematics, the level of study that students access is strongly related to socioeconomic background, gender, and school attended. Found strong effects of placement in the middle years on school completion, access to academic courses in senior school, and…

Presents overview of a position statement from the National Association of Early Childhood Specialists in State Departments of Education endorsed by the NAEYC Governing Board regarding entry and placement in kindergarten. Identifies questionable educational practices resulting from trend toward demanding more of kindergarten children. Lists…

This article describes how effective systems of positive behavioral support can be used in alternative educational settings as a means of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention for at-risk and adjudicated youth. Special concerns and specific strategies for this population are discussed across the range of placement alternatives. (Contains…

For a century after compulsory school attendance was introduced, special education in Britain developed along increasingly categorized and segregated lines. The 1978 Warnock Report recommended reversal of these policies. The 1988 Education Reform Act, stressing market forces and measured attainment, may discourage integration of special needs…

This article reviews personality assessment of students with severe emotional disorders (SED) as mandated by the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA). The EHA definition of SED, assessment strategies required by EHA guidelines, functional Individualized Education Plans, and the role of the school psychologist in the process are…

Origins of the criterion of the next environment (CNE) are examined for its continuing applicability to mainstreaming and integration of young disabled children, in light of changes in kindergarten classrooms, commitment to integrated education for all students with disabilities, collaborative partnerships, and instructional support services.…

Parents of 372 visually impaired children in Scotland were surveyed to determine the parents' knowledge of the child's eye condition, educational placement of the child, and registration status as blind or partially sighted. Results indicated that 50 percent of parents were dissatisfied with explanations of their child's visual impairment or…

Discusses the problems for a head of department in organizing first foreign language classes. The merits of ability grouping are briefly analyzed. The mixed ability approach is proposed as most desirable, especially with the use of topic-based as opposed to traditional grammar-based language courses. (Author/LMO)