The four stages of separation individuation--symbosis, differentiation, practice, and rapprochement--are examined and the early stages of childhood development are discussed in relation to the education of developmentally disabled children. (PHR)

The relationships among visual acuity, reading mode, grade level, and type of educational program for blind students were examined in a study of 26,433 students registered as legally blind through the American Printing House for the Blind. (Author/PHR)

The Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) system, which provides access to a wide variety of information concerned with education, is discussed. The process of acquiring, selecting, retrieving, and disseminating documents is described. (Author/PHR)

Forty-eight physically handicapped students in grades 1 through 6 were compared on the basis of their comprehension of talking book materials played at three rates. An analysis of covariance with repeated measures found a significant difference in favor of expanded speed over compressed speed; but neither resulted in comprehension significantly…

Data from 45 state special education directors describe current attempts by states to comply with Public Law 94-142 mandates for assigning surrogate parents. findings showed that eight states used a media campaign to inform the public of the need for surrogate parents and 12 states have identified a pool of individuals to serve as surrogate…

The effects of videotapes of situations depicting coping difficulties (along with group discussion) on the prosocial behavior of 109 emotionally and academically handicapped boys (ages 7 to 15) in a residential treatment center were studied. Findings showed that Ss in the treatment group improved in their abilities to exercise self-control. (PHR)

A study of the effects of teacher praise notes to parents on the academic performance of three second-grade students unable to complete their reading assignment seatwork is reported. Results showed a marked and enduring improvement in academic performance as a result of the treatment. (PHR)

Important factors in reducing negative attitudes toward handicapped persons appear to include consideration for the status of the handicapped person in relation to the nonhandicapped, allowance for sanctioned staring and other methods of discomfort reduction on the part of the nondisabled, and avoidance of inadvertent reinforcement of stereotypes.…

The authors suggest that by regulatory exclusion inherent in P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, some students with behavior disorders may not receive adequate education. (CL)

The author suggests that P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, is likely to result in suppression rather than expansion of services to mildly disturbed students because of problems in the definition of emotional disturbance and the requirement of service for all children identified. (Author/CL)

A national survey of state certification offices was conducted to determine requirements for administrator certification in special education and to assess the status of special education training programs. Over half of the states offer separate special education administrator certification and over half have at least one training program…

A Spanish version of the Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities (ITPA) and its English translation were administered alternatively to 297 kindergarten and second-grade Hispanic children from bilingual classes. Results cast doubt on court decisions that require bilingual Hispanic children to be tested in the language predominant in the home.…

Brief hospitalization may be a necessary intervention for the adolescent who is in emotional crisis. Although this separation may be helpful, the student's orientation should remain focused on the mainstream educational environment. Careful planning should be done to effect the supportive reentry. (Author)

Thirty-one adults living in a rural area but not involved with farming had significantly more positive attitudes toward the disabled than did 74 adults in the rural farm group. (CL)

A field survey was conducted with 30 professionals regarding the screening, assessment, placement, and monitoring of special education students. Findings indicated that decision making processes were similarly complex across demographic differences and educational sites (urban, suburban, and rural). (CL)