Schemata, as defined recently by reading researchers, represent generic concepts which are stored in memory. They include underlying objects, situations, events, actions, and sequences of actions for use in interpreting new experiences. Research on schemata suggests that teachers need to pay attention to the types of questions they ask when…

Semiotics, the study of signs, is a relatively new and highly controversial area. Symbols, icons, and indexes represent the three types of signs. Semantics, pragmatics, and syntactics represent the three basic semiotic areas, with pragmatics having a growing influence in oral language and reading. A comprehensive view of curriculum is implicit in…

The paper sets forth the position of the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities regarding definitions of learning disabilities (LD) as found in P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. The paper cites difficulties with the current definition, suggesting that misinterpretation has given the impression that individuals…

This document provides working definitions in English and in French of the terms which appear in the names of three (Canadian) National Library Advisory Board Committees: (1) the Bibliographic and Communications Network Committee; (2) the Resource Network Committee; and (3) the Committee on Bibliography and Information Services for the Social…

The concept of merit compensation is clarified from both administrative and faculty perspectives, and the conceptual sources of the controversy surrounding "merit" are addressed. Using the lexical tradition of the verb "to merit," four distinct semantic components are identified: to earn, to deserve, to value or give preference, and to obtain…

Beginning with an extensive overview of theories, this paper proposes an integrative perspective on play. Early theories, which were proposed in the last half of the 19th century, included the surplus energy theory, the recapitulation theory, the instinct-practice theory, and the relaxation theory. More recent theories of play include Freud's and…

An update of the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), a taxonomy for instructional programs at all levels (elementary to graduate, though primarily postsecondary) is presented. CIP, which was developed by the U.S. Department of Education's Center for Education Statistics (CES), is used in all CES surveys and is the accepted government…

The paper intends to assess the psychometric properties of teacher-judgment measures for identifying gifted students in terms of the available empirical data. Problems of definition are cited, and the neglect and disparagement of teacher judgments as an alternative identification strategy are noted. The major conclusion from the review is that…

The report presents findings of a West Virginia task force on a program study for behavior disordered students in early childhood education, middle childhood education, and adolescent education. The first section presents a synopsis of studies on current research and best practices in the education of behavior disordered students. The conclusions…

This report describes current book deterioration in libraries, the status and economics of acid free paper production, and categories of books which should be printed on acid-free paper. Recommendations are discussed for publishers and librarians regarding the use of acid-free paper. Technical guidelines on paper acidity, a table on manufacturers…

To provide documentation for the argument that Mexican-American (or Chicano) children in the United States tend to have a cognitive style differing from that of their Anglo-American classmates, the relevant literature is selectively reviewed. The review is organized in three sections, focusing respectively on the definition of cognitive styles,…

Intended for state education agencies and State Implementation Grant directors and coordinators, the booklet provides basic information on providing educational services to preschool handicapped children. Major premises include the following: the effectiveness of early education of handicapped children is supported by research; and early childhood…

From the earliest of times, humans have been working to improve their world. Myths and misunderstandings have arisen from the rapid pace and increasing impact of technology on people's lives. This technology may be material, consisting of tangible implements, or nonmaterial, consisting of both knowledge processed and methods that help humans…

A learning module to introduce nurses to the main medical abbreviations and often-used prefixes and suffixes is presented. Learning objectives of the module are: to provide the definitions of often-used suffixes and prefixes, and to identify definitions of medical abbreviations. The following materials are presented: a pretest consisting of 30…

This article offers some suggestions as to ways in which the outcome of independent study programs can be assessed. (Author)