Data on the early prediction of learning problems was summarized by a meta analysis of 58 studies reporting correlations between measures administered in kindergarten or first grade and later reading achievement. The best single predictors of achievement were attention-distractibility, internalizing behavior problems, and language variables.…

The National Collegiate Athletic Association's regulation changes concerning student financial aid, program administration, recruiting, association membership, eligibility, association governance, coach employment policy, playing and practice seasons, and amateurism are summarized. (MSE)

This report discusses the outcomes of a study that investigated the effectiveness of the Preschool and Early Childhood Functional Assessment Scale (PECFAS) Screener, an assessment designed to assist in the early identification of mental health concerns in preschool-aged children. Formed in 1993, the Putting All Communities Together 4 Families…

"Child Care Health Connections" is a bimonthly newsletter published by the California Childcare Health Program (CCHP), a community-based program of the University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing, Department of Family Health Care Nursing. The goals of the newsletter are to promote and support a healthy and safe environment…

A discussion of theoretical and empirical issues in early identification of children at educational risk is presented. Three areas related to the design and implementation of early identification programs are addressed: (1) reliability of early identification procedures; (2) validity of early identification measures; and (3) implications of early…

Describes the role of an interdisciplinary team in the assessment of learning disabilities to ensure that the evaluations are comprehensive and nondiscriminatory. Pupil personnel workers play an important role in identifying the diagnostic category which best describes a child's problem and which educational program is appropriate. (JAC)

Measurement and evaluation in physical education for the handicapped has been neglected due to a lack of knowledge on the part of physical educators concerning the fundamentals of the measurement and evaluation process, the diversity of physical education curricula, and the interpretation of test results of handicapped students. (JN)

Head Start, special education, and general preschool teachers (n=586) completed a survey designed to examine their use of assessments and curricula. They provided a range of responses, including reported use of 21 commercial assessments and self-developed and program-developed checklists. A majority listed curriculum-based measures acceptable in…

Discusses four educational methods designed to deal with the risk of kindergarten failure. Methods include increased provision of prekindergarten programs; adoption of a later school entrance age; a developmental placement system; and a continuous progress plan with multi-age groupings. (BB)

Discusses a study of the effectiveness of employing multiple measures and sources of data to place students in appropriate mathematics courses. Considers the use of achievement test scores, high school mathematics grades, clinical evaluation techniques, and content-oriented examinations in assessment. (DMM)

A 1991 study of 136 graduate social work students determined students' status as adult children of alcoholics (ACAs) by self-report and standardized screening test scores, and evaluated mental health functioning with four standardized measures. Results found that 47% of the social work students were ACAs, and not all (or only) ACAs were vulnerable…

This study sought to determine predictors of serious antisocial behaviors through use of multiple gating screening procedures. Kindergarten boys in 54 Montreal (Quebec, Canada) schools were assessed; then boys with high aggressiveness-hyperactivity-distractibility scores were observed for task-inappropriate behaviors and rated on inattention and…

This article examines categories of eligibility for Public Law 99-457 Part H services and their relation to factors of multivariate risk and mandated family focus. Professionals are challenged to reconsider the purposes of screening and evaluation as well as the relation between primary health care and community-based early intervention. (PB)

This case assessment of a man with dual diagnosis (mental retardation and mental illness) exemplifies the use of recent psychological measures, computerized programs, and structured assessment, including the Reiss Screen for Maladaptive Behavior, the Psychopathology Inventory for Mentally Retarded Adults, the Apperceptive Personality Test, and the…