Traditional approaches to defining academic quality (reputational, resources, and outcomes or value-added) are criticized as not providing useful information. An alternative perspective is offered, focusing on fundamental course-level academic processes and defining the quality of such processes as the level of understanding of course content…

Available data on homeless families and children are reviewed, focusing on definitions of homelessness and the most common methods used to estimate the size of the homeless population. Trends in the duration of homelessness and the numbers of families at risk of losing housing are discussed. (SLD)

This article describes the problem-solving model (PSM) used in the Minneapolis Public Schools to guide decisions regarding intervention in general education, special education referral, and evaluation for special education eligibility for high-incidence disabilities. Program evaluation indicates students received special education services earlier…

Considers whether mental retardation can be considered a concomitant disability associated with learning disabilities or whether these are mutually exclusive categories. Emerging issues concerning definitions, classification, etiology, and lifelong development of these students are addressed. Also discussed are appropriate educational curricula,…

This 2-year qualitative research study examined the decisions teachers (n=32) made about their teaching practices in an inclusive elementary school. Findings indicate the individual school community mutually negotiated a common definition of inclusion that was fundamentally grounded in students' active participation in classroom settings.…

Proposes a definition of transfer rate based on a longitudinal cohort analysis conducted by the Center for the Study of Community Colleges. Explains the methods by which data were collected and analyzed. (DMM)

The article examines the increased numbers of students with complex health needs in the schools, definitions and characteristics of this population, issues and educational policies in providing education to these students, and program practices in educational service delivery. Stressed is service in the least restrictive environment and…

The author answers responses (EC 222 813-814) to his paper, "Self-Regulation and Mental Retardation" (EC 222 812). Research is encouraged into questions concerning the extent complex and independent adaptive behaviors can be taught to the retarded and the comparative effectiveness of verbal mediators or alternative approaches in…

Fifty states responded to a survey comparing definitions of high risk and determining which agencies serve high-risk infants and toddlers. Results showed that: only 24 states have definitions of risk, populations eligible for services vary immensely among states, and the majority of lead agencies were located in departments of education.…

Ethnographic research at 2 work activity centers for mentally retarded clients revealed that 16 production supervisors and 9 adult basic education teachers differed in their connotations of the term "functioning." Teachers defined functioning in narrowly academic terms, whereas supervisors defined it as a set of mental, physical, and moral traits…

The article examines issues concerning mild mental retardation (MMR) classification and programing including placement bias litigation, MMR diagnostic construct and classification criteria, general intellectual functioning, adaptive behavior, sociocultural status, pseudo reforms through changes in assessment, the Learning Potential Assessment…

Changes in the National Education Association's new edition of "Budget Handbook for College Faculty and Staff," reflecting new rules for institutional accounting, are summarized and implications for faculty and staff are highlighted. Budget terminology, sources of budget information, and budget components are detailed as well as changes…

Reports the results of a survey of accredited library schools that was conducted to determine the status of literacy studies in their curricula. Highlights include courses on literacy; lectures on literacy as part of other courses; and plans for the future. An appendix includes definitions of six types of literacy. (LRW)

Traces the redefinition of "diversity" at one university as it evolved from the initial vision of a small number of faculty, students, and administrators, many of whom had connections to a women's studies program, to its adoption and implementation as an undergraduate general education requirement. The author's observations as one…

This training module is intended to clarify the notion of portfolio assessment and help users design such assessments. The rationale for assessment alternatives is presented; and portfolio definitions, characteristics, pitfalls, and design considerations are reviewed. The use of portfolios in large-scale assessments is particularly demanding of…