Components of word recognition were studied for 19 dyslexic Norwegian 15-year olds and 19 normal readers matched for relevant variables other than reading ability. Phonological ability was the main factor influencing the variance in word reading among normal readers, but this factor had no significant role for dyslexics. (SLD)

Issues in the provision of educational assistance in the 1990s by Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands are discussed in light of the change of the international climate toward developing countries. The changing approaches of these countries reflect new thinking that developing countries need to adapt to the Western industrial world. (SLD)

A total of 244 students from 4 locations in Iceland responded to a questionnaire about upsetting life events and their experiences. Children converged in their perceptions of stressful events, and their ideas were in close agreement with those of U.S. children. Findings suggest how many events are stressful to children. (SLD)

The six chapters of this special issue focus on how and why educational research is, or is not, used by its intended audiences of policymakers, practitioners, and other educational researchers. Texts that accept the more traditional notions of research knowledge precede the more radical visions in this collection. (SLD)

Different models of performance assessment arise from interactions of three dimensions of assessment: the measurement versus the standards model of testing, quantitative and qualitative assumptions concerning the nature of learning, and whether learning and testing are situated or decontextualized. Addresses difficulties in implementing…

Analysis of response strategies employed by 261 undergraduate chemistry students when answering multiple-choice and stem-equivalent constructed-response questions revealed no significant differences in types of solution strategies or types of errors across test format. However, analysis of student oral reports revealed a higher frequency of…

Data reveal that although the need is great, few Indian students are identified for special education services in Manitoba (Canada). Evaluation of five band-operated schools revealed problems in the development, monitoring, and operation of special education programs. Outlines five steps for improving special education services, including…

Perceptions of 94 adult learners and 31 teachers regarding the nature and goals of literacy education revealed that adult learners tended to view literacy from a fundamental perspective, but entered programs for job-related (functional) reasons. On the other hand, teachers viewed literacy from a functional perspective, but presented programs that…

A social skills program for learning disabled children consisting of coaching, role-playing, and information sharing was implemented over a 6-month period by a clinical psychologist in collaboration with classroom teachers. When compared to the control group, participants in the experimental program demonstrated greater social acceptance and…

Examined patterns of giving and receiving explanations in three mixed-ability student groups (grades 7-10) working on problem-solving tasks. Groups were modeled after the cooperative learning approach, Student-Teams Achievement Divisions. Students infrequently sought explanations or received inadequate explanations, and explanation givers did not…

This special issue summarizes parallel studies in five countries (Japan, Greece, Thailand, Republic of China, United States) investigating the causal linkages among socioeconomic status variables, family processes, and school variables on the mathematics achievement of urban elementary school children. Methodological problems in cross-cultural and…

The introductory chapter of this theme issue considers alternative policies for the finance, control, and delivery of basic education in developing countries. Agency of delivery, source of funding, and prevalence of subsidies are emphasized. Seven subsequent chapters present reactions to proposed policies and strategies, with international…

Using data from the Swedish Individual Statistics Project, changes in intelligence among 13-year olds are documented over a 25-year period. The average spatial and reasoning intelligence has risen successively. A clear increase is found for verbal intelligence in the 1960s, with more irregular growth since then. (SLD)

Effects of sex, education, and age on total test score on the Swedish Scholastic Aptitude Test, a college entrance examination, are studied using applicants aged over 25 with 1 to 4 years' work experience. About 10,000 applicants have taken the test annually since 1977. Genuine differences appear in each variable studied. (SLD)

A questionnaire completed by 119 researchers defending doctoral theses in Finland before 1986 shows that the average age for women defending a thesis was 39.7, an average of 2.4 years older than for men. An average of 3.5 years was required for doctoral studies, with about 13.6 months spent in final thesis revision. (SLD)