This study investigates definitions and usage of the term "mental retardation" worldwide, via a review of the literature and a survey of 20 countries. Nineteen of the 20 responding countries reported using some sort of intelligence quotient (IQ) criterion to determine mental retardation, though the criterion varies. In some countries, there are…

This paper describes current school-funding policy issues in Washington State. The first part examines how Initiative 601, an initiative aimed at curbing state taxes and spending, will create fiscal instability for school districts. Difficulties include an expected growth in school enrollment exceeding population growth, an expected growth of…

Third- and fifth-grade teachers in four South Carolina elementary schools identified certain students as potential high school dropouts, and indicated factors affecting their predictions for these students. Ethnographic interviews were conducted with the teachers and with 40 identified students and their parents. About 17% of sampled students were…

This paper provides an analysis of the current status of the states' eligibility policies for children with disabilities, ages 3 through 5. The study of all states and the District of Columbia indicated that states have made substantial progress toward developing eligibility policy since the passage of Public Law 99-457, the 1986 Amendments to the…

This paper provides a discussion and analysis of: (1) selected forces, factors, and conditions which have contributed to the reported decrease in the number and percentage of students classified as mildly mentally retarded for purposes of special eligibility and programming; (2) changes in the characteristics of the "new population" of mildly…

Data from the 1988 Phi Delta Kappa National Research Study on at-risk students were used in an analysis of variables associated with being classified as "at risk." The study collected information on over 22,000 at-risk and not-at-risk students from 274 schools and 9,600 teachers from across the United States. This analysis identified…

The results of a 2-year study examining the ways that four major urban school systems (New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Boston) sort students into different schools, tracks, ability groups, and grade levels are summarized in this report. The study looked carefully at the effects of these sorting practices on low-income, minority, limited…

This paper tracks the changes in beliefs and dispositions regarding the teaching of writing of a cohort group of prospective secondary teachers during their graduate year of teacher preparation. Changes in the prospective teachers' beliefs regarding the knowledge they need to teach and the ways in which learners who differ in race, social class,…

A practicum was conducted to evaluate and modify the educational expectations parents and educators perceived as appropriate for children with Down's Syndrome. The research effort took place after parents were told that their children would attend the local school for the mentally retarded because they exhibited Down's Syndrome. The objectives of…

This paper challenges the theoretical knowledge base upon which the Canadian separate special education delivery system has been developed. Arguments for integration of special needs children into the mainstream of education are presented from a social-ethical, educational-psychological, and legal-legislative perspective. Examination of the…

Five papers discuss issues arising from the Minority Issues Inservice Program, a program to provide inservice training to teachers dealing with minority handicapped children in mainstreamed or other special education settings. The first paper, by C. Greenwood, describes activities of each of the three years of the ongoing program including…

Reviewed is the literature on issues relating to the evaluation of special education programs with special emphasis on the comparison of regular versus special class placement and Canadian programs. Results of studies dealing with effects of mainstreaming or special class services are reviewed in terms of social acceptance by peers, self concept,…

This issue of the "Interracial Books for Children Bulletin" contains three articles. The first article is adapted from a forthcoming book which analyzes new history textbooks for evidence of racism and sexism. It can be used as a content rating instrument and is designed to enable teachers and students to evaluate and rate the texts used in their…

The supplement to an earlier edition provides information on case developments relating to the labeling and grouping of both normal and exceptional children for educational treatment. Case summaries and notes are divided into five sections (sample topics are in parentheses): exclusion of exceptional children (the handicapped child's right to an…

This book offers case studies, observations, and practical, culturally responsive solutions to the challenges presented by diversity in the classroom. By telling stories and asking questions, the book explains that progress is slow-moving and that quality, equity, and fair, appropriate treatment are often very hard to find, even in good schools.…