Past, present, and future concerns regarding the definition of learning disabilities (LD) are documented. Research on efforts to clarify the LD label is discussed, including the questionable utility of the discrepancy model. An approach is presented for operationalizing the definition of LD of the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities.…

Discusses the evolution of what is meant by "good" English in the classroom, arguing that the overall model of English that is presented to students, and by which their English is evaluated, ought to be considered in pragmatic rather than a priori terms. (19 references) (MDM)

Surveys of 267 newcomers to 6 rural parishes in Lancaster and Mid Devon (England) and interviews with 113 survey respondents revealed definitions of "the rural" as abstract social representations. Respondents' representations of the rural focused on the physical environment, contained many aspects of the "rural idyll," but also…

The reported practices of 25 elementary school teachers related to teaching mathematics with manipulatives, and reasons offered in support of instructional methodologies, were studied. Results reveal a wide range of interpretations of the term manipulatives and much variation in practice, highlighting a gap between research theory and practice.…

Explores what outcome-based education could mean if it is properly planned and implemented. Outcome-based education emphasizes that the success of schools should be measured on the basis of what students actually know rather than what they are supposed to know. Issues in implementing outcome-based education are discussed. (SLD)

Investigated preschool, second, and fifth grade children's definitions of, moral standards for, and internal evaluative reactions to lies and truthful statements. Older children correctly identified almost all statements, whereas preschoolers correctly identified about 70 percent. Lies were rated as worse than truthful statements by all age…

Describes the biological basis of learning and individuality. Presents an overview of recent discoveries that suggest learning engages a simple set of rules that modify the strength of connection between neurons in the brain. The changes are cited as playing an important role in making each individual unique. (MCO)

Reports the proceedings of the Wingspread conference on integrating science and mathematics teaching and learning. Discusses (1) a literature review on integration of science and mathematics education; (2) development of definitions of integration; (3) specification of guidelines for infusing integrated teaching and learning into science and…

This study, involving 1,069 children (ages 9-14) referred for evaluation of learning disability, used 3 definitions of reading disability to provide criteria for 5 groups of children based on discrepancy between intelligence quotient (IQ) and academic achievement. Results question the validity of segregating children with reading deficiencies…

Directions for future research on goal theory are suggested. The need for greater specificity in construct definition and the possible contributions of constructivist perspectives on learning and instruction are considered. An investigation is proposed of the way social goals interact with mastery and performance goals. (Author/SLD)

Discusses two widely practiced principles of management (protecting the rear and knowing the limits of a job) as they relate to the philosophy of education. The article examines Werner Jaeger's definition of education in his 1939 book, "Paideia," as well as other definitions that have helped shape current educational management. (SM)

This article describes instruments and methods to assess the primary characteristics that define attention deficit disorder (ADD) for the purpose of identification. Issues in ADD assessment include identifying co-occurring disabilities, defining the severity of ADD, and determining the pervasiveness and situational nature of the behavioral…

Argues that much work needs to be done to assess the impacts of global networking on academic institutional performance. How the academic networked environment can be defined, possible assessment criteria, the need for a user perspective, and specific research needs are discussed. (Contains 11 references.) (KRN)

A conceptual framework is presented for organizing and relating terms pertaining to select knowledge constructs. In constructing this framework, definitions are derived for 27 basic terms essential for understanding literature on learning and literacy. Implications of this terminology for research and instructional practice are discussed. (SLD)

An approach is presented to the definition of minimal competence for judges to use in standard setting. Panelists in standard setting must receive training to ensure that differences in rating result from differences in perceptions of item difficulty, not in differences of opinion about the definition of minimal competence. (SLD)