Several factors should be considered in using standardized tests to measure achievement in the mentally retarded. Who should be included in the normative sample is a first consideration; this depends on the definition of mentally retarded being used. For achievement purposes the mentally retarded probably differ from one another as much as they do…

After the first semester of 1969-70, 413 freshmen who had entered the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in the fall were placed on academic probation with grade point ratios (GPR) ranging from 0.75 to 1.59. After 3 semesters, 73 or 17.7% had cleared probation and another 5% were still on probation. The rest had dropped from school or were…

This study examines the relative success of high-risk students during and subsequent to enrollment in Berea College. The study was designed to determine: (1) the nature of selected personal and educational characteristics; (2) the secondary school ranks; (3) the enrollment and graduation rates; (4) the dropout rates; (5) the academic dismissal and…

Performance on complex (Space Relations and Verbal Reasoning) and simple (Digit Symbol) tests was investigated as a function of Byrne's Repression-Sensitization (RS) dimension, phase of menstrual cycle and premenstrual-menstrual (PM) symptomatology in a group of females not taking oral contraceptives. Two control groups, consisting of males and…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the KeyMath Diagnostic Arithmetic Test and the California Arithmetic Test when used with children identified as having specific learning disabilities. The samples consisted of children in grades one through three enrolled in a diagnostic, prescriptive, remedial Resource Room…

A computation learning lab was planned, implemented, and evaluated as a way of helping learners conquer computation problems. Features include: emphasis on a premotivation activity; the use, on a regular basis, of eight instructional strategies; and active parent support. The lab students showed dramatic gains. (MP)

Reviews the efforts of the humanities faculty at Valencia Community College (Florida) to restructure the curriculum to allow more time for material to be covered, and to locate, or write, appropriate texts to teach students to examine primary sources intelligently and to identify and organize facts and ideas. (AYC)

A "poor man's" multimedia approach to assisting physical underachievers is discussed. (MM)

Psychometric evaluation of 58 reading-disabled children, matched controls, and their nuclear families was employed to identify familial patterns of impairment in cognitive abilities. Certain types of genetic transmission or a combination of causes may be responsible for reading disability. (Author/GDC)

A comparison of the story-writing abilities of learning-disabled (N=47), low-achieving (N=15), and normal-achieving (N=19) third-, fifth-, and seventh-graders revealed age- and learning capacity-related differences in the categories of story, primitive story, action sequence, descriptive, and expressive skills. (Author/CB)

Maintains that radical changes in the labor market and living conditions create the need for curricular alternatives to existing educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth in the Federal Republic of Germany. Outlines an educational program for children and adolescents of the lower social strata devoting special attention to handicapped and…

Analyzes recent government initiatives for low attainers' in the 14-16 age group. Reviews curriculum development within special education as a whole. Highlights major concerns with the one-dimensional approach which has been widely adopted and outlines an alternative perspective in relation to schools, teachers, and pupils. (Author/BSR)

Discrepancies between ability and achievement were examined in second grade scores, and again in fifth grade test scores, for two groups of low achievers: learning disabled (n=20) and non-learning disabled (n=20). The two groups differed significantly in relative discrepancy scores in fifth grade, but not in second. (Author/JW)

Describes a study designed to assess the effectiveness of computer assisted instruction in creating successful young spellers from low-achieving first graders. Results indicate that in all but one of the seven case experiments conducted, a positive educational change was noted. (MBR)

Discusses the findings and implications of effective schools research for teacher training programs, emphasizing the argument that depressed achievement derives from school disability rather than familial disadvantage. Also examines the effective teacher's need for knowledge of psychometrics and an understanding of how dependent effective teaching…