The use of the Test for Auditory Comprehension of Language with 299 low socioeconomic status Head Start children (three to seven years old) was studied. It is suggested that clinicians making placement decisions regarding groups that differ racially and/or culturally from the normative population consider using pluralistic assessment. (Author/SEW)

A five year teacher education program, beginning with four undergraduate years and ending with a post-baccalaureate graduate year, is described. The employment rates of program graduates indicate that a combination of academic preparation and extended field work were important considerations for their employers. (JN)

Examined the relationships between the McCarthy Scales General Cognitive Index, the McCarthy Screening Test, Kaufman's McCarthy short form, and the Peabody Individual Achievement Test using a sample of elementary students. Found the Estimated General Cognitive Index by Kaufman's short form was virtually identical to the McCarthy Scales Index.…

Demonstrates the use of cluster analysis to uncover classification structure in children referred for psychological evaluations. Data were acquired on intellectual development, academic achievement, and social adjustment. The cluster solution identifies six groups which are statistically distinct. All three measurement areas are important in…

South Carolina's Educator Improvement Act provides for a "cradle-to-grave" system of training, certification, employment, and evaluation of teachers. The author fears this type of legislation is the precursor of a nationwide shift in the locus of policy making. (Author/WD)

This study used an early screening approach to determine the risk status of children in five urban schools and to monitor their reading growth over 3 years. It found that students with behavioral risk factors did better than those with academic risk factors and that the "Reading Mastery" curriculum resulted in the best growth in reading fluency.…

A study investigated whether changing the letter composition of the Denckla and Rudel rapid automatized naming (RAN) task influenced task performance and the RAN word identification skill relationships in 383 first graders. Substituting a letter that was visually similar to other letters had the greatest influence on RAN speed and accuracy…

Discusses the techniques used in Japan to assess and monitor the acquisition of auditory skills by hearing-impaired children. Suggests that digits, syllables, and word lists are more suited to adults. Proposes the use of words, sounds, and music familiar to children in combination with instruments based on observation of daily activities in either…

Developed an abbreviated version of a life attitude measure that could be easily administered in a variety of clinical and research settings. Psychometric properties of the short form were robust, and it correlated highly with the original measure. The measure found that boys reported more injury-related behaviors than girls. (RJM)

Describes a reliability and validity study of the placement test used at the University of Surrey, England, to identify students requiring English language support while studying at the university level. The study examines administrative and logistic constraints and assesses the test's usefulness within this context. (21 references) (Author/CK)

To predict an at-risk group of kindergarten students, structured input from 34 parents was obtained, in addition to results of a standardized screening instrument. Results indicated that both parents' input and standardized tests contributed uniquely to the early identification of children at risk for not achieving in school. (Author/JDD)

Contends that the high probability of error in placement decisions based on high school records and standardized test scores delays the academic development of many students placed unnecessarily in mandatory skill development programs. Advocates skills assessment based on current classroom performance. (DMM)

Uses a review of literature to explain the inaccuracy and inappropriateness of routine kindergarten screening for potential first-grade learning problems for purposes of placement in kindergarten or first grade. (Author/BB)

Discusses the ethical aspects of screening and testing for clinical detection of individuals infected with asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Careful consideration must be given to individuals' rights, respect for their privacy, and society's obligations to provide needed clinical and social services in translating cautious medical…