the position statements of the Association for Retarded Citizens address major issues in early intervention for preschool age children with possible handicaps. Among statements offered are that public support should be maintained in maternal and child health block grant and in preschool incentive grants and demonstration programs; that…

A minority group is a social category involving a clearly differentiated subpopulation within a larger collectivity on the basis of some common set of characteristics which are negatively evaluated by the dominant members of the collectivity. The following characteristics are attributed to negative evaluation: (1) members experience pejorative…

In this paper, it is noted that there are three reasons for studying the black gifted child. First, black destiny has in part been shaped by talented blacks--for example, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King. Second, the black gifted are a minority within a minority. The gifted black female, subject to sexism, is even more of a minority. Third,…

This comment on "Transition Issues for the 1990s" (Knowlton and Clark, 1987) argues that transition program professionals should focus on providing services rather than the labeling of handicapped persons and that transition program objectives should focus on employment, rather than such outcomes as independent living and social networking. (JDD)

In response to a comment on the authors' earlier work, this article makes two points: (1) current transition literature is too narrowly focused to appeal to diverse audiences that have histories of categorical specialization, and (2) transition outcome goals should encompass the community and home as well as employment settings. (JDD)

To facilitate comparisons between studies of those who have ancestral ties to Mexico and to aid in accumulation of knowledge, some agreement must be reached among social scientists and a common terminology be adopted. A proposed terminology differentiates between Mexicans, Mexican Americans, Mexicanos, Chicanos, Latinos, Latin Americans, and…

The essay addresses the continuing segregation of Hispanic students after 25 years of public school integration, noting the history and current status of Hispanic segregation with its bases in economic and residential factors and racial discrimination. The article also discusses the need for appropriate remedies for multiracial, multilingual…

Interviews 10 Asian American high school and college students about living in 2 cultures. The interviews are designed to be read aloud and discussed in class, exploring the difficulties these students, from diverse Asian backgrounds, face in the dominant culture and the stereotypes they encounter. (SLD)

This article presents knowledge about disability issues that seven undergraduate students constructed through participation in a semester-long service learning class. In-depth interviews and examination of reflective journals revealed that students used their experiences to question the nature of relationships with people with disabilities, the…

This reprinted paper was originally published in 1981 and addresses issues of classification of children with disabilities in the United Kingdom. It considers several "within-child" and several interactive models in special education and concludes by encouraging the stating of children's special educational needs rather than…

Challenges the Social Darwinism behind special programming for gifted and talented students, that is the notion that some are innately smarter and can learn better than others. The author argues that critical thinking can be developed in all children and discusses the importance of teachers, parents, and the learning environment in a child's…

Discusses racial stereotyping in White elementary schools, describing one child's early stereotyping and examining research on stereotype acquisition by 8- to 12-year olds in schools serving a monocultural area. Whole school policy, curriculum planning, resource examination, and community liaisons are recommended as beginning solutions to the…

This commentary discusses whether the American Association on Mental Retardation should change its name. The history of the term "mental retardation" is reviewed and it is argued that any new term will take on similar risks. The need to involve self-advocates in any terminology change is stressed. (Contains 5 references.) (CR)

This commentary discusses whether the American Association on Mental Retardation should change its name. It argues that the term "mental retardation" should become an historical artifact of the evolution of our thinking about children and adults with developmental disabilities. The plurality of the term "developmental…

This commentary discusses whether the American Association on Mental Retardation should change its name. It reviews some of the assumptions, assertions, and dynamics that occur in the current language wars and presents principles for the selection and use of language. The need to use clearly understood terms is stressed. (Contains one reference.)…