Of 236 children referred for special education evaluation from 12 suburban and rural school districts, 128 were diagnosed as learning disabled. Results suggest that the number of students referred who are actually placed is lower (approximately one out of two) than previously reported. (Author/JDD)

Analyzes Hughes and Nelson's study of placement testing at Riverside Community College and offers an alternative method of evaluating placement systems using logistic regression. Reanalyzes data from an ASSET placement test validity study using logistic regression. (DMM)

Summarizes 10 major difficulties associated with ability grouping, including unfair and inaccurate student placements; the "locked-in" nature of ability grouping; undue emphasis on ability over effort; erosion of self-esteem; racial, ethnic, and income isolation; unequally distributed learning resources; illegal practices; and the need for a…

The article describes characteristics of gifted students who also have learning disabilities, and offers guidelines for assessment, early intervention, placement, and intervention strategies geared to the specific disabilities. (DB)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires school districts to educate students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment (LRE). The IDEA does not require mainstreaming in all cases; however, in several recent cases, courts began to tip the scales in favor of inclusive programming for these students. Reviews cases…

Determined academic placement of 87 students with traumatic brain injuries within 1 year after injury: 45 children had returned to regular programs; 42 received some special education support. Verbal intelligence quotient at initial postinjury assessment appeared to be most important factor with regard to school placement. (Author/NB)

Recognizes the benefits of mediation for easing special education conflicts, but addresses the inconsistencies and ambiguities created by the 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Recommends that state and local education agencies use mediators certified in sophisticated mediation techniques, schooled in…

Describes the case of Hartmann v. Loudoun County Board of Education, a case that was the first inclusion litigation that involved a student with autism who presented significant behavioral challenges. The court's decision upholding the student's placement in a special program is explored. (CR)

Guidelines for complying with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in the area of physical education address service provision, qualifications of service providers, placement options, and inclusion of physical education on the child's individualized education program. (DB)

A study examined how their child's type of mental retardation and educational placement affected 32 mothers of children with Prader-Willi syndrome and 32 mothers of children with Down syndrome. Both groups were satisfied with current placements; however, parents of students with Down syndrome were more likely to choose an inclusive placement.…

Describes computer-software programs that "read" and score college-placement essays. Argues they may impress administrators, but they also (1) marginalize students by disregarding what they have to say; (2) disregard decades of research on the writing process; and (3) ignore faculty's professional expertise. Argues assessment practices should be…

Finds that 86% of the 59 MBA programs completing a survey used scores from the Analytical Writing Assessment of the Graduate Management Admission Test to refine their admissions decisions, but only a few schools used the test diagnostically in making such other decisions as placing students in writing-development courses, waiving communication…

A two-phase study was conducted with elementary and junior high school students to compare learning styles for students with conduct and emotional problems. Findings were examined in light of federal special-education eligibility criteria, specifically the exclusion of "socially maladjusted" students. Implications for the multidisciplinary…

Curriculum-based measurement and performance assessments can provide valuable data for making special-education eligibility decisions. Reviews applied research on these assessment approaches and discusses the practical context of treatment validation and decisions about instructional services for students with diverse academic needs. (Author/JDM)

Identifies useful Internet sites about attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the results of searching these sites to answer common questions concerning incidence of ADHD, basic information about Ritalin drug therapy, educational placement of students with ADHD, sources of information about special needs, and what parents can do at…