Studies four distinct groups based on language and nativity within the Mexican-descent population in the U.S. Reports significant differences among groups on (1) demographics; (2) self-labeling in the family and among others of Mexican descent; and (3) perceptions of how others label them. (TES)

Actual/idealized and actual/public self-concept coherence was used as a measure of adjustment to being labeled gifted and subsequently participating in a gifted education program for 128 fourth through eighth graders. Results indicated overall better adjustment was significantly related to greater coherence between self- and ideal-self…

Analysis of the personal narrative of an adolescent labeled as learning disabled finds that her discourse conforms to linguistic expectations deemed acceptable in school and identifies themes of personal experience associated with isolation, undervaluing, and oppression. The narrative structure was reminiscent of the oral tradition. Giving voice…

This qualitative study analyzed unstructured, open-ended interviews with 11 children in grades 1 through 6 identified as having specific learning disabilities. Analysis suggested that the children fabricated stories about where they went during resource time, not being able to read, and being called names and feeling bad about themselves.…

Because spirituality connects us to the most profound realities of life, it has an integral role to play in education. Public education and spirituality, as distinct from the teaching of or expression of religion, are not mutually exclusive. Indeed, spirituality is both epistemological and ontological. It constitutes one of many legitimate ways of…

This study used symbolic interaction theory to address the following question: what is the self-identity, or perceived "I am," held by adolescents with learning disabilities (LD) in the public school environment? According to symbolic interaction theory, experiencing the label and role of specific learning disability would reflect the…

When an older person confronts vision loss, the perceptual categories of space and time are disrupted. This forces newly blind older persons to question their ability to manipulate their environment and participate in social relationships. It makes them vulnerable to self-imposed tentativeness and externally generated labels of incompetence.…

After completing personal identification forms consisting only of numbers (phone number, Social Security number, etc.), students discuss the need for more personal means of identification within society in order for people to feel a useful sense of identity. (AV)

The author argues that failing grades and grade repetition harm students and should be removed from the middle school. He presents a grading system of A-B-C-Incomplete which would eliminate grade repetition, encourage individualized instruction, and promote student self-esteem. (SJL)

An historical perspective helps clarify confusion surrounding varying definitions of the term "Metis" ("half breed"). Available from Canadian Plains Research Center, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, S4S 0A2; $10.00 annually. (SB)

The socially constructed binary of "First Nations" and "non-First Nations" (with various related names and labels) is concerned with issues of belonging, entitlement, representation, and autonomy. Although necessary to explain longstanding geopolitical, spiritual, and economic injustices, the binary obscures nuanced…

Analyzes an interview with an adult male prisoner who was labeled as "maladjusted" in school. Discussion of the concept of "maladjustment," models of learning, and consequences of assessment is followed by excerpts from the interview which show the negative effects of this label on the child's developing identity and general outlook. (DB)

School crime may be a product of the organizational structure of the school. The negative, stigmatizing labeling of students contributes to school crime and produces poor (deviant) career decisions. Attempts to increase success rate of individual students must recognize the school's value systems and the origins of its stereotypes. (Author/GPM)

Reports on a large-scale study which found that sixty percent of students are labeled as "behavior problems" by their teachers at least once during their elementary school careers. Discusses the questions this raises about teacher judgments, school behavior standards, and the impact on student self-concept. (SJL)

Sixty-nine undergraduates answered a survey on their own self-label (Afro-American; Black Afro-American; Black American; Black; or Other) and why they chose that label. There was a clear preference for the term Black among respondents, a term that was likely a product of the 1960s Black movement. (CJS)