Examines differences between 45 learning disabled, mentally retarded, and Title I elementary students on intelligence, academic achievement, and behavior measures. Indicates that such students perform similarly on academic achievement and behavior measures. Learning disabled and Title I students were similar on an intelligence measure; mentally…

This paper examines how American Indians construct and describe their own cultural identities. In particular, it focuses on cultural group identity from the perspective of three American Indians living in an urban setting, and on the ways that cultural identity can be communicated and enacted. Two American Indian women and one American Indian man,…

Using information collected from the parents and teachers of 829 special education elementary school students, the classification practices of five major metropolitan school districts were compared. Many special education students would have been classified consistently within and across districts. Inconsistencies were most likely for children…

Conversations with 19 predominantly Chicano middle-school students labeled "at risk" revealed that students viewed their at-risk status as a source of both shame and unity, thereby reproducing the category on one hand and producing a counterculture to adult world views on the other. A communication perspective on student success offers…

Describes a study that focuses on the Pygmalion effect by examining how educators express their expectations to children in a kindergarten class. Indicates that educators, when cultivating high or low expectations toward the children, do not react in the same manner. (46 citations) (MAB)

Tested the hypothesis that toddlers labeled "developmentally delayed" would be perceived by adults more negatively than toddlers described as having normal development. Results indicated that female undergraduates' perceptions of toddlers can be influenced by labeling independent of toddlers' behavior. (BB)

Attempts to clarify the complex relationship between the identification of at-risk students and the ways educators try to retain them in school. Examines student problems from three different perspectives: the idiosyncratic, the sociocultural, and the institutional. Common student problems of learning, inappropriate behavior, depression, and…

Presents data from state and national surveys of male and female interscholastic coaches which investigated the validity of two stereotypical beliefs: female coaches are less qualified and have more family-related time constraints. Findings indicate that females are often more qualified, and that males experience frequent family-related time…

Ability grouping can impact students' self-esteem and cause segregation. Suggestions for using ability grouping beneficially include reassessing grouping assignments frequently, varying instructional levels and pace, assigning groups based on demonstrated needs and abilities, grouping students for only one or two subjects, and using ability groups…

Examines African-American family life portrayals (BFLPs) on commercial television during the 1985-86 season, and considers BFLPs as a model for social learning by children. Analysis of the "Cosby Show,""227," and "Charlie & Company" indicates that more positive BFLPs are emerging, which may provide possible role…

Presents a selective annotated bibliography of books on Native Americans for young people (23 recommended books, 11 books to avoid, 13 guides to selection, and 9 sources for books). Makes suggestions for evaluating books on Native Americans. Pervasive and dehumanizing stereotypes of Native Americans are ingrained in popular culture. (SLD)

Discusses how preservice and inservice teachers can promote a more equitable learning environment. The article describes how teachers can examine their own values and beliefs, discusses stereotyping, offers strategies for reflecting on self-awareness, and presents strategies for providing more equitable instruction for all students. (SM)

According to the reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (1997), education of disabled children should produce outcomes akin to those expected of "regular" students, and disabled students should be educated with other kids. Implementing inclusive programs will require visionary leadership, educator collaboration,…

Gifted elementary students need exposure to advanced concepts and materials without being segregated from classmates. Educators should avoid labeling students as gifted; assign independent projects, real-world problems, and high-quality literature; promote guided exploration and self-discovery; consider alternative settings; and find suitable…

This study investigates stigmatization in the probation process from the perspective of the probationer. Hereby we use the concepts of primary and secondary deviance provided by labeling theory to differentiate between stigmatization by others and self-stigmatization. While stigmatization by others is less direct in the guidance of the…