Focuses on the identification of the developmentally young child and the exploration of appropriate placement procedures and programs. Identification of the developmentally young child is essential and can be made through (kindergarten) teacher observations in addition to developmental placement and readiness tests. These children can be helped…

Drawing from ethnographic study of two kindergartens in a magnet school, suggests that teachers have different perceptions and expectations of Black and White children who misbehave. Holds that the referral of "problem" Black children to counseling and special classes often occurs as a response to administrative and community tensions over…

Recent court decisions are reviewed to clarify what schools must do to help non-English-speaking children. Court decisions indicate that: (1) educational programs must be theoretically and practically effective; (2) labeling and grouping procedures must not intentionally discriminate; and (3) teachers must be adequately trained. (PP)

Two criticisms of the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment (SOMPA) are discussed: the alleged abilities of SOMPA to provide an approximate measure of a child's biological capacity to learn and to obtain an approximate measure of a child's basic potential. (See also TM 504 174.) (MH)

This article proposes that research into special educational needs has to explore the meaning of the phrase "special needs" and the values that underpin this phrase. It concludes this process will entail the development of new forms of inquiry, new ways of working, and new ways of thinking about research. (Contains 2 references.) (Author/CR)

Discusses the limiting effects of cultural labeling and class prejudices from an African American folkloric perspective. The author offers examples of African American children's spontaneous narratives that derive from earlier cultural roots and that may be misunderstood in European-heritage classrooms. Concluding comments examine the implications…

Discusses the term "at risk" and explains its application to students of social studies. Lists 34 categories of at-risk students and 18 methods that teachers use to encourage and motivate students. Argues that at-risk students do not need isolated, special programs or stigmatizing labels. (SG)

Questions the appropriateness of "Asian American" as a term to categorize this heterogeneous combination of cultural groups. It explains how the notion of a common and shared sentiment of unity among the many cultures labeled collectively as Asian Americans may be viewed as an artificial construct. (GLR)

This commentary discusses whether the American Association on Mental Retardation should change its name. It argues that changing the name would not change the stigma, and would harm advocacy efforts by allowing legislators to use a terminology change to narrow eligibility for supports. (Contains one reference.) (CR)

This book proposes that, by becoming special, Great Britain's ordinary schools can move closer to meeting the individual needs of all children. It outlines the practical steps that need to be taken if ordinary schools are to meet the special educational needs of children. It addresses such issues as: the reason for a system of segregated special…

Reviews research on the relationship of cultural background to academic achievement. Concludes that the most successful approaches to minority education recognize and use cultural background in the activity settings in which the learning process takes place. (FMW)

Charges that school systems sort students according to the same socioeconomic class divisions that exist outside the school. Curriculum, reading materials, behavior expectations, and evaluation procedures tend to discriminate against lower-class students. Schools should take measures to ensure an equal education for all students. (JAC)

A discussion of theoretical and empirical issues in early identification of children at educational risk is presented. Three areas related to the design and implementation of early identification programs are addressed: (1) reliability of early identification procedures; (2) validity of early identification measures; and (3) implications of early…

Critical theory is applied to determine why larger numbers of children are now identified as having special needs; acquiring such labels is found to be the result of complex social, economic, and political considerations. Explanations for educational problems are offered at three levels: personal/interpersonal, environmental/institutional, and…

This commentary offers authors' reflections on their case-study approach to examining the application of categorical and noncategorical special education (EC 612 095). The reflections address why the authors decided to study this issue, how case study methodology assisted in the study, and implications of the study. (SW)