An annual student referendum on desired ninth grade assignment in Boston is analyzed, and shows that students who express a first choice are quite likely to have that choice satisfied. The main distinction drawn by the analysis is not between district and citywide schools, but between schools which many students aspire to and schools which few do.…

Focuses on differences in mathematics aptitude between Anglos and Hispanics and any effects that differential enrollment in mathematics and math-related coursework might have on these differences. Data from a longitudinal study show household language interacting with mathematics aptitude. (SA)

A study was done to identify the cultural or linguistic bias present in an English as a second language placement examination at the university level. Test items exhibiting bias in their respective skill domains were identified by comparing 34 native Spanish speakers and 77 native Chinese speakers. (SED)

Summarizes research on the impact of parent-institution relationships on child development. Argues that, in Israel, the institutional placement of children tends to ignore parents. Recommends means of improving cooperation and communication within the placement process. (KH)

Reviewed information regarding 215 students referred to school psychologists. Results showed 74 percent were males and one-half were referred while in third through sixth grades. Referral reasons presented by classroom teachers corresponded to the four major characteristics of behavior disorders: conduct disorders, personality disorders,…

Providing education for young children is an investment in their future. It can also benefit all members of society, because of the spill-over effects from having a better educated population. The critical question is: How much should a society invest in pre-schooling? The focus of this research is on only one of the benefits of pre-school: the…

Debates about developmental instruction have prompted postsecondary institutions to justify their developmental courses. This study investigated a method of documenting the benefits of developmental courses that involves using placement test scores to predict college outcomes separately for students who take a developmental course before taking…

This guide for parents of children with disabilities explains the basics of the special education process focusing on parent participation in the process of developing the child's individualized education program (IEP). The first section reviews the IEP process including what is involved, the IEP meeting, who attends the IEP meeting, the role of…

This brief paper on the inclusion of students with disabilities summarizes the history, terms, and legal requirements. The relevant section of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is cited followed by a brief review of the mainstreaming movement of the 1970s and the regular education initiative in the mid-1980s. Regulations governing…

This digest discusses hearing loss in children. Topics covered include: (1) the causes of hearing loss and the three major types of hearing losses, conductive loss, sensorineural loss, and central auditory processing disorder; (2) the federal definitions of "deaf" (hearing loss which adversely affects educational performance and which is…

Course placement systems in the first year of college include both an assessment component (to estimate students' probability of success in standard courses) and an instructional component (in which underprepared students are taught the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the standard courses). The effectiveness of a placement system…

This final report describes major activities and outcomes of a one-year project in Birmingham, Alabama, which attempted to utilize quantitative record linkage methodology and a qualitative family interview to increase the available information regarding risk factors associated with special education placement for young children. The project…

This paper discusses provisions in the reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997 that relate to eligibility of students with disabilities, required services, and termination of special education services for students with disabilities who are between ages 18 and 21. It reviews regulations that clarify: (1) when the right to…

This state improvement plan outlines goals and objectives for improving special education services to students with disabilities in Wisconsin. The first goal (students with disabilities will demonstrate skills which will engage them to become independent, productive, and included citizens in society) contains objectives that address graduation…

This book describes Structured English Immersion (SEI) for English language learners (ELLs). Seven chapters focus on the following: (1) "Identification, Assessment, and Placement" (e.g., California's school districts implement SEI and proper placement of students); (2) "Listening Skills" (e.g., time on task, total physical…