The author, writing from the first-person viewpoint of a child, relates what he hopes for from school in terms of learning, respect, climate, and understanding. (KC)

Examines the historical definition and use of the term "mental retardation," and the 1992 revision of the term by the American Association on Mental Retardation that focuses on limitations in functioning rather than as a characteristic of an individual. Educational implications of the new definition are discussed. (CR)

This article examines the effects of labeling students "gifted." Educators are urged to spend less time on identification and more on providing services, conduct ongoing needs assessments, allow students to self-select areas of independent study, and educate stakeholders so the label is not perceived as the access to services. (CR)

In this article, the practical aspects of clothing are compared to effective practices in special education. Actual competence is more important than the appearance, or cloak, of competence. It is argued that speaking openly about disability will do more to reduce its stigma than will euphemisms. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Discusses how being labeled "at risk" sometimes begins a proleptic cycle for such children. Considers that current challenges to the deficit assumption hold that their differences are sometimes used to deny children literacy experiences that would support growth in literacy understanding. Discusses student perceptions of their…

Discusses the consistent underrepresentation of minority groups in gifted programs and legal issues surrounding the identification of gifted students, including the relationship between classification and government purpose. Model legislation that defines gifted students and traditionally underserved populations and declares nondiscriminatory…

The article provides a definition of the Regular Education Initiative, considers implications for students with mild learning and behavior problems and examines such issues as labeling, assessment, identification, placement, and attitudes in special education. (DB)

This article notes efforts to include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a formal disability category and challenges the validity of assumptions that ADHD is a psychiatric disorder and is characterized by academic difficulties. Social and cultural factors are seen as fueling the perceived need for the ADHD category. (Author/DB)

Describes a many-faceted class activity involving readings, small group and class discussions, and writing an essay. Notes that, in the essay, the students first think and write about the names people have called them and/or their culture and then rename themselves, thereby gaining personal and political power. (SR)

This interview with Mara Sapon-Shevin discusses her interest in students with learning disabilities and giftedness, the negative effects of labeling students, what teachers can do to improve the social climate and peer acceptance in heterogeneous classrooms, and the need for teachers to teach all students as if they are gifted. (CR)

Responds to a case study in this issue that discussed the differing academic achievement of two at-risk college students. Suggests the need to look beyond the disability labels applied to students. Suggests considering cognitive motivational factors such as beliefs, goals, and expectations, as well as the results of previous institutional…

This commentary discusses whether the American Association on Mental Retardation should change its name. It reviews the history of professional terminology regarding individuals with mental retardation and stresses the need for the AAMR to change its name using terms that envision and announce a social purpose for the organization. (Contains…

This paper was written in response to a paper by Jerry Phillips and his daughter, Charlie. Their paper, entitled "Mandated Testing: Lived Situations," was presented at the 1992 Annual Meeting of the American Reading Forum, and in it Jerry and Charlie recount the creation and development of a remedial reader, Charlie. One unique aspect of…

The recommendations of the National Association of State Boards of Education's Study Group on Special Education focus on: (1) creation of a new belief system and vision that includes all students; (2) encouragement of collaboration between general and special educators to better serve the diverse student population; and (3) breaking the link…

If English teachers are going to clean up language and strive toward literacy, they need to stop using phrases that are meaningless, such as "prior knowledge,""dyslexia,""learning disabilities," and "at-risk." The persistent misuse of language moves the United States closer to becoming a remedial nation.…