Traces the conceptual origins of adaptive behavior of handicapped people, from state residential institutions to its role in the complex process of community integration. Measurement instruments are reviewed. Measurement, conceptual, and methodological issues are discussed. (Author/BJV)

Describes a preresearch library instruction program designed to familiarize fourth-grade students with reference materials. Reflections on the importance of library instruction are offered. Examples of multiple choice preresearch questions for a study of Japan and suggestions for adapting questions for higher and lower grade levels are given.…

Analyzes data collected from 121 primary education teachers concerning methods of teaching reading. Discovers that the majority of teachers employ a wide range of reading and writing activities. While most schools maintain a devoted commitment to reading instruction, a lack of consistency suggests a more comprehensive policy. (MJP)

Examines, through an interview technique based on models and pictures, the impact of the language of instruction on concept development in Form One and Form Three science students. Analysis of the data collected suggests that the language of instruction significantly affects concept attainment for Form One students, but not for Form Three,…

Current models of spoken-word recognition describe access to lexical representations in terms of activation and decay. This research investigated an important aspect of activation: the impact of processing time. The results showed a separable impact of time and signal on the activational state of lexical elements. (34 references) (Author/CK)

Investigates the real-time costs of sentence processing in early Spanish-English bilinguals. Bilinguals use an amalgam of monolingual strategies in choosing the agent of a sentence. The reaction time data reveal a larger language-specific component than the choice data. (37 references) (Author/CK)

Reviews research on maintaining and revitalizing American Indian languages, focusing on the interrelationship of language and culture; Fishman's theoretical paradigm for reversing language shift; national and tribal language policies; and examples of native language instruction at the early childhood, elementary, secondary, and tribal college…

Describes the background and impact of the History Workshop at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, on the role of history in shaping South African society since 1977. Asserts that a revolution in historical writing has taken place and that it has reached the general public through public conferences. (CFR)

The National Center for Effective Schools worked to translate knowledge gained from research on effective schools, educational change, and organization development into a professional development program that builds the capacity of teachers, administrators, parents, and community members who are committed to making schools more effective. The…

Describes a study conducted in the United Kingdom to discover what processes learner physiotherapists experience in clinical education and whether their experience is comparable to that of other students in medical professions. The need for feedback is addressed, and the role of the clinical educator is discussed. A form for student assessment is…

Investigates the validity and reliability of performance assessments using data from over 300 fifth and sixth graders. Results demonstrate the gap between the reality of measurement through performance assessments and the political rhetoric that would institute these assessments in a national examination system in the immediate future. (SLD)

Describes the creation and purpose of the Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries (CARL), the subsequent development of CARL Systems, and its current research projects. Topics discussed include online catalogs; UnCover, a journal article database; full text data; document delivery; visual images in computer systems; networks; and implications for…

Advocates revamping the British educational system from technical-rational content model to student-centered process programs designed to promote critical thinking, individual initiative, and communication skills. Discusses obstacles to this educational reform, emphasizing research orientation. Urges the British Educational Research Association to…

Describes how college science laboratory activities can be developed by student teams in which original questions are formulated as testable hypotheses and refined into experimental designs on the basis of personal observations. Distinguishes this "minds-on" approach from traditional college science laboratories with respect to students'…

Reports results of a survey that examined the role of school library media specialists in Alabama public schools in promoting reading growth, assisting classroom teachers, and teaching reading skills. Comparisons of ideal and actual responsibilities are made, and academic preparation of media specialists in the area of reading is discussed. (LRW)