Describes self-instruction training, a cognitive-behavioral approach to self-control in which children are taught to use covert speech to modify their own behavior. Discusses its effectiveness as an intervention technique for use by school psychologists. Presents research results addressing how and when to use this strategy. (BH)

Studied effects of beginning school age and gender on later school achievement and retention in grade (N=117). No significant differences among the three age groups were found at kindergarten, second, or fourth grade. Differences in achievement between boys and girls were noted. (BH)

Explored the sociometric status of orthopedically handicapped (OH) high school students in mainstreamed classrooms. OH students (N=29) were compared with classmates on the Peer Rating Scale (PRS). Results either reflected liking for OH students or an inability on the part of peers to express negative feelings toward OH students. (BH)

Scored protocols for 683 gifted students aged six to 12 years using 1961 and 1981 norms of the Slosson Intelligence Test (SIT). Average 1981 norm score was 5.17 points lower than the 1961 norm score. Differences increased with age. Discussed implications for using the SIT for selecting gifted children. (Author/BH)

Tested the 16-item Study of Children's Learning Styles rating scale with 1,513 kindergarten children from diverse backgrounds. Principal components factor analysis revealed three distinct styles of learning-related behavior: Avoidant, Inattentive, and Overly Independent. Each style was related to other behavioral dimensions not devoted exclusively…

Examined the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children protocols of 94 special education students longitudinally. As predicted, subjects had lower IQ equivalent scores on Bannatyne's Sequencing Ability category than on the WISC and WISC-R, confirming that mildly retarded children and learning disabled children have qualitatively similar learning…

Explored the relationship between age and intelligence test performance across race and evaluated the developmental progression of scores and construct validity of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children in a sample totaling 2,615 children. No significant race or sex differences were found, supporting the validity of the K-ABC. (JAC)

Proposes criteria for defining and selecting preschool developmental screening instruments and describes the Early Screening Inventory (ESI), a developmental screening instrument designed to satisfy these criteria. Presents results of several studies demonstrating that the ESI predicts school performance with moderate to excellent accuracy through…

Examined the performance of 51 referred rural children on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (Revised) in relation to the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (Revised). Results indicated that while verbal comprehension may contribute most to successful performance on the PPVT-R, perceptual organization may play a significant though lesser…

Examined the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (Revised) factorial similarity for a referred sample of Black (N=430) and White (N=274) students and compared the factor structure of each group with the pattern identified for the standardization sample. Results showed the patterns for Blacks and Whites were quite similar. (JAC)

Compared the ratings of 24 deaf children who judged each other, using a standard sociometric technique, with ratings by their teachers. The correlations between the two sources at four assessment periods replicated previous findings of substantial convergence of teachers' behavioral ratings and children's sociometric scores. (JAC)

Investigated the internal consistency reliability estimates of the Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM) for 96 Anglo and Mexican American third-grade boys from low socioeconomic status background. The results showed that the reliability estimates of the CPM for the two ethnic groups were acceptably high and extremely similar in magnitude.…

Used the Stroop Color-Word Test to measure selective attention in learning disabled (N=45) and nonLD (N=50) children. Results indicated that LD children have a significant weakness in the process of selective attention compared to the nonLD children. Findings suggested that the Stroop is an effective screening measure. (JAC)

Compared the restrictiveness of special education placements by profession (administrators, school psychologists, and special education teachers) and by type of handicapping condition. Professionals (N=66) assigned placement scores on the basis of three psychological reports. Results indicated that the average placement scores did not differ…

Describes the development of school psychology as a continuing search for identity and professional recognition. This search has led it to identify primarily with psychology at the expense of involvement with the broad issues of educational development. Suggests increased emphasis on learning and a decreased emphasis on mental health issues. (JAC)