This article presents an operational, inclusionary definition of dyslexia constructed by the Orton Dyslexia Society Research Committee and others. Each clause of the definition is explained in terms of relevant research findings. The definition attempts to identify unique factors of reading disability, independent of its common association with…

While exploring educational leadership concepts, a group of superintendents on retreat found "grace" considerably harder to define than "vision" or "legacy." Inspired by a superintendent's courageous response to imminent dismissal and another's handling of clinical depression, the group first conjured up graceless…

Examines contextual and definitional factors that determine whether and to what extent college students learn unknown words without instruction. Finds that the quality of the definition appears to determine the extent to which college students are able to learn unknown words. (RS)

Argues that literacy in the United States, more than an educational concern, is a powerful sociopolitical force. Describes many definitions of "literacy" from different contexts, including political and educational. Explains the origins of the OLRC (Ohio Literacy Resource Center). Concludes that in just one year of operation, the OLRC…

Discusses CD-ROM development, including common production terms (data acquisition, rights acquisition, data conversion, indexing, authoring, premastering, image building, replication); describes the roles of project team members (script writers, artists, designers, programmers, managers, distributors); and explains the differences between CD-ROM…

Describe use of the galvanic skin response meter, in conjunction with class discussion, as an effective method for explaining the elusive concepts of "connotation" and "connotative value." (SR)

Views on the concepts of knowledge and beliefs were compared for 54 adults in the United States and 66 in Europe (primarily in the Netherlands). Differences related to the definition of and relationship between knowledge and beliefs were identified, with European respondents tending to be more diverse in their viewpoints. (SLD)

Rather than returning to traditional "sociology of leadership," which is modernist and positivist in nature, educators ought to adopt a critical and pragmatic strategy toward the leadership quandary. This pragmatism would attempt to reveal the historic sources of our contemporary leadership malaise and make leadership inquiry more…

During 1992, the American College Testing Program (ACT) attempted to develop a collaborative portfolio model to support both the classroom and the need for information about student capabilities. The program was pilot-tested in 7 high schools; during the 1995-96 academic year, 20 high schools will be involved in a field test. (MLH)

This paper defines the term "self-image" or "self-esteem" and defines the term "creativity" from psychoanalytic and humanist interpretations. It then proposes the theory that a positive self-image enhances the possibilities for creative productivity or lifestyle. Practical implications for child rearing are offered. (JDD)

This paper summarizes and evaluates the research on the relationship between allergies and learning disabilities. The paper considers definitional and conceptual issues, anecdotal reports, experimental studies, and the Feingold hypothesis. It concludes that the role that allergies play in learning disability is complex and interrelated with other…

Offers a revision exercise intended to remind students of some economic terminology associated with taxation and welfare. Provides a set of definitions for which students are to supply matching terms. Includes an answer list and suggests related exercises. (SG)

Discusses definitions of mentors and mentoring, the functions/roles of mentors, the cycle or phases of the mentoring process, possible caveats in mentorships, and the benefits derived from mentoring relationships for the mentor, protege, and the organization. (SR)

Reflects on literature and oracy. Addresses the diversity among current definitions of literature that influences children's access to books and the values they offer. Examines how different varieties of cultural orthodoxy since the seventeenth century have limited children's horizons. Suggests ways to provoke further discussion about the place of…

The future of curriculum studies is uncertain. Curricular language at the beginning of the 1990s demonstrates several features that inhibit our understanding of curricular phenomena. Persistence of the generic fallacy, confused conceptualizations, uncertain metaphoric transfer from other disciplines, and ideological commitment make optimism…