The field of learning disabilities (LD) needs to focus on four issues concerned with research and practice: (1) differentiation of LD from other problems, (2) identification of LD subgroups, (3) effects of specific interventions with specific subgroups, and (4) recognition of social/cultural influences on LD identification and services. (Author/DB)

The survey of state department of special education guidelines for mental retardation terminology, eligibility criteria, and classification schemes indicated lack of uniformity among the states, increasing recognition of the importance of adaptive behavior, and decreasing use of the four-level classification system of the American Association of…

Describes two studies of word meaning acquisition among children. Concludes that (1) even very young children can learn new words and their meanings on basis of linguistic expressions and in absence of direct experience with referents, and (2) that particular forms of discourse (e.g., narrative and dialogue) can render new meanings more accessible…

This response to Drash et al. discusses these issues: the historical context of total habilitation of the retarded; the need for a clear conceptualization of intelligence and social adaptation; and the obstacles of society, the profession, attitudes, and the human service structure to the intensive pedagogic matrix required for total habilitation.…

The development of comprehensive, coordinated, multidisciplinary services for young handicapped children is required by Public Law 99-457. The article presents a definition of technical assistance, a description of developmental levels in service provision, suggestions for designing such services, and a discussion of major needs of states…

Time-out as a method of managing pupil behavior is explained. A definition and historical and philosophical perspectives are offered. The method has been used in Victoria (Australia), the United States, and Great Britain. Also considered are legal responsibilities, a time-out continuum, implementation, positive aspects of time out, and abuse and…

To more carefully define the nature of thinking in social studies, this article examines shared features and teaching procedures of three alternative approaches to instruction for thinking: reflective thinking, inquiry, and critical thinking. Discusses the emerging field of cognitive science and draws implications for improving traditional…

Although educational research can provide a framework for viewing teaching, one should be cautious when transforming these results into criteria for identifying effective teachers in general and master teachers in particular. Problems arise concerning definitions, causal ambiguity, linearity, student growth measures, context, and research purpose.…

The article looks at issues in the application of recent curriculum and training initiatives to disabled young people in Great Britain including: definitions of special educational needs, the definition of handicap, integration, transition to adult life, the need for an individual transition plan, and the influene of new education policies.…

The position paper discusses issues surrounding definition and identification procedures used for students with behavior disorders. Five recommendations address the need for revision of the federal definition, elimination of arbitrary exclusions, focus on sources of data collection, alternative models of service delivery, and priority needs for…

The American Council on Education has published guidelines for institutions to use in establishing and carrying out policy on sexual harrassment, addressing such issues as grievance procedures, dissemination of information about policy and claim resolutions, campus education programs, recordkeeping, and the use of a coordinator to handle reports…

The ongoing debate about what constitutes a genocidal act is analyzed. Discussed is a humanistic definition of genocide, i.e., the wanton murder of a group of human beings on the basis of any identity whatsoever that they share--national, ethnic, racial, religious, political, geographical, or ideological. Examples of genocide are provided. (RM)

Three main versions of sincerity are: responses are really meant, a close fit between what a person says and what a person does, and the honesty and frankness of responses. The educator's sincerity is a power determinant of what the teaching experience will be for him or her. (Author/RM)

Only a third of students in this study accepted the medical model of alcoholism. Those who had the least knowledge of, and experience with, alcohol were the most likely to consider alcoholism as an illness. The source of information on drugs most conducive to acceptance of the medical model was parents. (Author/ABB)

This introduction to voice, data, and video communications technologies with specific reference to interests and needs of higher education is intended to make network users aware of issues, opportunities, and impacts of telecommunications technology in higher education. Examples of higher education networks and a glossary of networking-related…