Background: Children who meet language test criteria for specific language impairment (SLI) are not necessarily the same as those who are referred to a speech and language therapist. Aims: To consider how far this discrepancy reflects insensitivity of traditional language tests to clinically important features of language impairment. Methods &…

This case study describes a rural school district's efforts to identify historically underrepresented gifted students (HUGS) more effectively than in the past. The district developed new policy; disseminated the policy with lists of characteristics of HUGS; provided a workshop for first-grade teachers to encourage early referrals; and provided…

Archival records of 43 children referred for diagnosis and treatment for academic difficulties were examined. Results revealed a significant difference for age at first referral and diagnoses. Those with disorders such as learning disability and severe emotional disturbance tended to be older, while the ADHD and dysthymic disorders tended to be…

Background: In recent years, a number of tragedies have been linked to the Goth culture. Most alarming have been the acts of violence, suicide, and self-harm found among teens. Teachers, parents, administrators, and fellow students are at a loss on how to relate to such students. They are unsure what role they might play in addressing some of the…

The purpose of this study was to examine factors influencing easier transitions and placements of young children with disabilities into Part B preschool special education programs. The authors examined associations between children's referral age and the following factors: (a) level of functioning of the child, (b) educational level of the mother,…

In this report, the Center for Evaluation and Education Policy (CEEP) reviews the history of the the Indiana Early Literacy Intervention Grant Program (ELIGP), the research base on individual intervention models, and the impact of the grant program on student achievement. In light of this information, CEEP examines the efficacy of this program.…

When families enroll in an early childhood program, it is usually the first time they have daily shared their child's basic care with anyone outside of the family. Their most basic hope is that early childhood staff will care for their child as the staff would their own. There are many ways to nurture children and assist growing families. In this…

The authors describe a simple, cost-effective, and empirically supported program to increase faculty referrals of students to counseling centers (CCs). Incoming faculty members at 3 universities received a mailing and personal telephone call from a CC staff member. Faculty assigned to the outreach program had greater knowledge of and rates of…

The relationship between referral and special education outcome was investigated in the State of Florida, where students are referred by category (i.e., referred for learning disability services, mental retardation services, etc.). Of specific interest was the congruence between categories for which students were referred and eventual placements.…

This booklet provides extension personnel with basic information on how to help handicapped individuals through referral to the appropriate service provider. A series of steps is suggested for locating help for a client when no appropriate service provider can be readily located. Lists are then presented of possible sources of help in these areas:…

Individual child data from the Preschool Screening Programs of 402 Minnesota school districts were analyzed for problem identification and referral rates, areas of problem identification and referral, sex differences in rates, and other factors. The results from over 45,000 children revealed large variability in rates among school districts, as…

The paper provides guidelines for the classroom teacher in making effective referrals for special education services. The three phases of the referral process are delineated: (1) identification of the problem, (2) documentation/intervention, and (3) the activation of screening and staffing teams. Detailed suggestions for conducting the activities…

The current view of the multidimensional nature of learning difficulties includes visual difficulties as one contributing factor. Although many researchers decry the use of the Snellen Test as the sole screening device, this test is still the most commonl y used vision screening instrument in our nation's schools. Findings of numerous studies…

This brief study utilizes the source of referral as a means of assessing agency effectiveness. (Author)