Describes a classroom icebreaker that examines the assumptions inherent in racial and ethnic labels. The exercise involves students using connected Post-it notes on which to write their names, the racial label people give them, and the ethnic/racial label they give themselves. Later discussions address the use of labeling. (MJP)

An ethnographic study is reported using participant and nonparticipant observations, interviews, and analysis of school files on 77 Hmong students to probe factors affecting tendencies to incorrectly label Hmong students as learning disabled. Case studies are discussed in the context of Hmong history, refugees' experiences, and language factors.…

This manual is intended to facilitate the integration of children with mental handicaps into child care centers in Canada and elsewhere. The first chapter looks at the background of integration in early childhood child care programs in Canada and identifies concerns of parents. The second chapter explores the practice of labelling children with…

Three issues are addressed in this research review. First, do gifted and average children differ in their self-concepts? Second, what, if any, are the effects on self-concept of labeling a child as gifted or exceptional? Third, does placing the child in a separate enriched or accelerated classroom have any impact on self-concept? The paper begins…

Ability grouping can impact students' self-esteem and cause segregation. Suggestions for using ability grouping beneficially include reassessing grouping assignments frequently, varying instructional levels and pace, assigning groups based on demonstrated needs and abilities, grouping students for only one or two subjects, and using ability groups…

Presents a selective annotated bibliography of books on Native Americans for young people (23 recommended books, 11 books to avoid, 13 guides to selection, and 9 sources for books). Makes suggestions for evaluating books on Native Americans. Pervasive and dehumanizing stereotypes of Native Americans are ingrained in popular culture. (SLD)

This qualitative study examined factors that have contributed to the educational success of nine college students with learning disabilities and explored how these students manage their disabilities in the educational arena. Data came from student academic records, interviews, and classroom observations over a 6-month period. Factors studied…

A review of the research on learning-disabled students suggests that these students often exhibit language deficits that are not readily obvious. These language deficits create problems in understanding social interactions and written and oral directions as well as problems in expressing ideas both orally and in written form. The term language…

Asserts that when teachers pose problems that yield solutions running counter to students' perceptions, it results in enhanced student interest and motivation and improves thinking skills. Provides examples and three suggested activities for implementing the approach. (CFR)

This speech addresses the restructuring of special and regular education into one integrated system in a third generation of school reform. Six serious issues demonstrate the need for reform: (1) poor quality of disability identification and evaluation; (2) a classification system governed by fads rather than student needs; (3) minimal…

This paper attempts to refute current emphases on supposedly increased numbers of "students at risk." It is claimed that such terminology usually includes students who drop out, who become teenage mothers, or who are illiterate. Data are presented in tabular form demonstrating that all three of these "risk behaviors" are at their lowest in…

This report examines the problem of misclassification of children into classes for the educable mentally handicapped (EMH) in the Chicago (Illinois) Public Schools. The report claims that 7,000 out of 12,000 students assigned to EMH classes do not belong there and could be moved back to regular classes with extra help; most of these misclassified…

This study examined adult attitudes toward infants labeled premature. Fifty-two subjects, including infant specialists, experienced special educators, and preservice special educators, viewed a videotape of 9-month-old infants, each labeled full-term or preterm and male or female. A questionnaire administered after viewing the videotape rated each…

This investigation sought to determine the extent to which examiners' evaluations of writing performance were influenced by the learning disability label and to identify mediating variables which modify expectancy effects. Forty-four preservice regular education teachers were randomly assigned to one of two expectancy conditions (learning-disabled…

Focusing on students who are often referred to as "at risk," this book discusses the theory supporting whole language learning for all students and describes, in detail, the practical strategies used to help these students become readers and writers. The book, through its explanation of theory as well as presentation of individual…