This manual on screening preschool children to identify their need for special education services presents key elements of an "ideal" screening program as well as practices to be avoided. Common barriers to implementation of each "ideal" practice are identified, and suggestions are provided for possible solutions. Topics covered include:…

Since the mid-1960s, some affluent white schools, both public and private, have made efforts to welcome low-income students of color into their student bodies. However, studies of these efforts have usually ignored the complex and deep ambivalence experienced by many young people of color in white middle-class institutions. This paper attempts to…

This paper explores and highlights the importance of social, cultural, and behavioral contexts in the effectiveness of mentoring relationships. A first section looks at growing up in American and the varieties of personal and social development that are found. This section argues against viewing adolescents as similar across the boundaries of…

This paper presents a study of two intellectually gifted students (ages 6 and 14) who have cerebral palsy and are unable to communicate orally. Results of participant observation, interviews, and document analysis revealed that: (1) gifted students who have cerebral palsy and do not speak exhibit indicators of cognitive ability that are similar to…

How ethnic identity and gender figure in building the embedded identities of youth in different contexts is examined, focusing on the self-concepts of inner-city youth. The voices of urban youth argue that their embedded identities, or multilayered self-conceptions, represent far more than simple labels of ethnic or racial membership. After an…

This monograph presents the executive summaries of research syntheses developed at five special centers addressing assessment and interventions for children with attention deficit disorders (ADD). The Center at the Arkansas Children's Hospital (Roscoe A. Dykman et al.) reviewed the literature and conducted meetings on the assessment and…

This paper discusses the significant underrepresentation of linguistically and/or culturally diverse (LCD) students in gifted and talented programs due to the absence of adequate assessment procedures and programming for gifted minority students and the need for professionals in gifted and bilingual education to work together to overcome these…

This book synthesizes research findings on creativity and talent development. Part 1, "Definitions and Processes of Creativity," discusses the definition of creativity, creativity and psychology, federal definitions of giftedness and creativity, psychological research on creativity, traditional theories of the creative, common descriptions of the…

Designed for high school students interested in careers in special education and related services, this leaflet discusses the role of an educational diagnostician. It describes the education and personal qualities required to become an educational diagnostician, the job outlook and advancement for a career as an educational diagnostician, and…

This paper provides a discussion of definitions, historical precursors, and prevalence figures for children with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and highlights relevant medical and behavioral characteristics. It also addresses the educational implications of working with children with FAS in terms of instruction and curriculum. Educators are urged…

This manual on the Maine Surrogate Parent Program is designed for surrogate parents, social workers, and educational personnel. It defines relevant terms; outlines procedures for identification of students who require a surrogate parent; explains how surrogate parents are appointed and trained; lists the rights and responsibilities of the…

The study reported here is an analysis of 100 seventh graders who were part of a 1989 and 1991 follow-up Phi Delta Kappa study on high risk students enrolled in general education. In 1989, 26 of the 100 students were identified as at risk. Approximately 39% of the at-risk students were identified as eligible for special education, the vast…

This study investigated attitudes of educators from both the middle school movement and gifted education, by means of a survey of 400 members of relevant professional organizations. The survey focused on six interest clusters: (1) grouping strategies, (2) identification issues, (3) curriculum modifications, (4) teacher preparation, (5) program…

Disparities between Whites and African Americans exist in many areas in U.S. society. These disparities are exacerbated by social ills, including the Persian Gulf conflict. Positive change on the part of African American educators is required to combat these problems. The following four postulates for teaching African American youth are provided:…

This report provides an overview of the Collaborative Study of Children with Special Needs, documenting the range of health and special education services provided for disabled students under the Education For All Handicapped Children Act. The study included surveys and interviews with parents of 2,000 disabled school children in five large United…