Three major meanings of "empathy" are discussed with reference to the widespread imprecision in its use. It is suggested that undifferentiated use of the term in social work education is dangerous, particularly in view of the positive valence associated with being empathetic. (Author/BH)

Views on the curability of mental retardation are reviewed. The implication of the view of Drash et al., that current technology makes total habilitation possible for many people, is refuted. Efforts should continue in replication research, follow-up, etc. Setting a goal of total habilitation for an individual should be exercised cautiously. (KM)

Discusses both the barriers to the formation of a social movement of disabled people and the ways in which these barriers have been overcome. The role of public policy in the evolution of this movement is discussed, as are the current status and prospects of the disability rights movement. (Author/BJV)

Recalls the publication of the 1948 special issue of "Journal of Social Issues" on the social psychology of disability, speculates on the magazine's influence on changes in the field between 1948 and 1988, and discusses possible future developments. (Author/BJV)

Reviews some of the current definitions of literacy and suggests that an expansion of the definitions is needed, based on information gained from interviews with adult remedial readers as they describe their reading needs. (SKC)

Learning disabled (LD) students are often poorly accepted by peers and exhibit deficits in social skills. Research on LD students' social behavior is reviewed and the definition, assessment, and classification of social skill deficits are discussed. Needed improvements in professional training, in practice, and in public policy relating to LD…

Identifies themes in this special issue on educational technology: emergence of new educational technology definition; pervasiveness of educational technology throughout world; importance of context in applying educational technology to problem solving; and new information technologies' role in altering organizational structure and teachers'…

Regional surveys of 32 Scottish schools, case study of 153 fourth-year pupils in 1 school, and post-school sampling of 68 individuals revealed similarities in organization but differences in aims, approaches, and attitudes toward leisure education. School-sponsored programs had little influence on leisure time use of adolescents or in post-school…

Educational robots are defined, their essential characteristics and features are outlined, and their educational applications and what makes them run are discussed. Classroom experiences with five educational robots--Topo, Rhino XR-2, RB5X, Hero I and Tasman Turtle--are described. (MBR)

Intends to turn attention away from the contemporary focus on teacher failure/burnout and back toward the traditional source of teacher success: teacher dignity. Contends that teachers can still build a context of dignity for their work. Defines teacher dignity as the capacity to induce student learning; confidence; and authenticity. (Author/MH)

Argues that schools hinder all students by not helping them to acquire knowledge and skills needed for building a more equitable society. Offers an egalitarian conceptual framework for multicultural education, suggests guiding principles for effectively translating this framework into curricula, and presents a policy agenda for action. (CMG)

Teaching young children to read is the most critical educational priority facing this country. Encouragingly, this is an area where some of the best and most rigorous scientifically based research is available. The Reading First program helps States and districts apply this research--and the proven instructional and assessment tools consistent…

A comprehensive report from the National Center on Performance Incentives reviews the history of teacher pay policy in the United States and earlier cycles of interest in merit or performance-based pay, the various critiques of its use in K-12 education, and empirical research studies that are useful in considering its likely impact. The report…

NCLB, Alaska Statute 14.03.120 and State Regulation 4 AAC 06.895 require each school and district to disseminate a report card to parents before the school opens for instruction in the fall. Each school site, working with the district, is responsible for determining the format of the report. This handbook has been developed to assist districts in…

"American Universities and Colleges" includes extensive information on 1,900 accredited colleges and universities that offer at least the baccalaureate degree. The institutions are arranged by state, and then alphabetically by institution. Volume 2 of the set provides four indexes, including an Institutional Index, a Subject Index, a…