Varying aspects of the study of psychology are discussed focusing on the shortcomings of the traditional definition of psychology as the study of behavior. Effects of cognitive, experimental, and applied psychology are examined, and a general concept of psychology as the study of the mind and mental processes is advanced. (BH)

Focuses on behaviors and activities of three high school principals as they respond to district's decision to implement a shared decision-making model designed to give teachers and parents a larger voice. Describes these administrators' varying responses, along with varied ways democratic leadership was multilaterally defined in each school by…

A discussion of language disorders that often occur with learning disabilities focuses on definitions, characteristics, alternative assessment methods, and service delivery models and interventions. Use of standardized test batteries, curriculum-based language assessment, and portfolio assessment is reviewed. Principles and methods to enhance…

This article introduces a self-determination curriculum, Learning with PURPOSE, intended for adolescent students with disabilities or students at risk for failure. It identifies critical self-determination skills, defines self-determination, outlines the curriculum, and notes the curriculum's parent component. (DB)

This article defines self-advocacy, examines differences between high school and college settings, describes key components in a college-based self-advocacy curriculum, and highlights the primary responsibilities that students with learning disabilities face in making self-determination a reality in college. (DB)

Summarizes findings of a survey of eight First Nation (Canada Native) communities concerning the provision of child and family services. The results identify important differences concerning the causality of child welfare problems, the definition of key child welfare concepts, and the place of cultural values and practices in intervention. (MDM)

Background and historical information on dyslexia are presented, including use of the term dyslexia, definitions of brain disorders affecting language ability, various schools of thought on remediation, guidelines for evaluating individuals with language-processing problems, and recommendations for treating common problems. (SW)

Reviews current student-assessment practices, highlighting alternative-assessment definitions and terminology, portfolio-assessment methods, holistic and analytic scoring rubrics, and improved traditional approaches. Educators must reconsider the wisdom of traditional practice, while giving a fair hearing to new approaches. Fundamental changes in…

Addresses two levels of educational leadership, focusing on a second-level envisionment that transcends national interests and aims to improve the social conditions of all nations and all individuals. This new leadership definition has policy implications that should be supported by resource allocations and a forum promoting education as an…

This content analysis of 39 state definitions of "developmentally delayed infants and toddlers" for Part H of Public Law 99-457 focused on types of children, conditions listed as established conditions, criteria used to determine delay, and criteria delineated for "at risk" status. The analysis found some type of problem in…

Explores 1990s educational equity issues and implementation challenges, including outcome measurement, the accountability-governance relationship, resource implications, the need for integrated children's services, and necessary role changes for teachers, administrators, and parents. Summarizes recommendations of a New York State Equity Study…

Robert M. Diamond, Vice Chancellor for Instructional Development at Syracuse University (SU), draws on 25 years experience in the field to discuss the evolution of instructional development programs in higher education in general and the SU program in particular. Issues surrounding the definition and process of instructional development and its…

Changes in national demographics have altered how we define community. The community may be a geographic area of home life, a place for coming together voluntarily, or an association of people with similar interests and values. New communities must develop their own infrastructures and capacities for sustaining themselves. (SLD)

Exploring the historical origins of genocide, finds it has been practiced worldwide throughout history. Points out that genocide is the ultimate violation of human rights. Outlines legal definitions and identifies twentieth-century genocides. Examines common features of ideological genocides and presents questions for class discussion. (NL)

Outlines a two-day lesson for upper elementary and middle school students to help them define democracy and learn about types of world governments. Describes political features of five mythical countries and provides a chart of democracy's characteristics that students use to judge each country's democratic status. Includes background information…