This longitudinal study examined predictors of dropout assessed in elementary school. Student demographic data, achievement, attendance, and ratings of behavior from the Behavior Assessment System for Children were used to predict dropout and completion. Two models, which varied on student sex and race, predicted dropout at rates ranging from 75%…

Disproportionate placement of African American and Hispanic students into disability and special education categories may result from true behavioral and cognitive differences, bias in assessment and referral, or some combination of the two. Studies of commonly used ADHD rating scales suggest teacher bias may contribute to placement discrepancies.…

Most research examining the efficacy of early grade retention has been limited to outcomes during elementary school. A notable gap in the retention literature is the dearth of studies examining outcomes during late adolescence. The results of this prospective longitudinal study include comparisons among four unique samples: (1) early grade…

Investigates relationships among a diverse sample of elementary students' social skills, problem behaviors, academic competence, and academic achievement. Results indicate that social skills are positively predictive of concurrent levels of academic achievement and problem behaviors are negatively predictive of concurrent academic achievement.…

Evaluates the sequential introduction of compliance training components on the instruction-following of four elementary school students. The components included effective instruction delivery with reinforcement for compliance, time in, and time out. Increased compliance levels were maintained at follow-up with all four students. Discusses results…

Article reports the results of a brief, computer-based assessment of reinforcer dimensions affecting choice and the application of information yielded by the assessment in informing interventions for classroom disruptions of two students. Results showed that choice (time allocated problems within each set) was differentially affected by the…

An alternating treatments design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational program that combined timings, peer tutoring, positive-practice overcorrection, and performance feedback on mathematics fluency in four elementary school students with mathematics skills deficits. Results are discussed in terms of combining intervention…

Demonstrates the use of Generalizability (G) theory as an alternative method of validating direct behavioral measures. Reliability and validity from a classic test score theory are explored and rephrased in terms of G theory. Two studies that used oral reading fluency measures within a curriculum-based measurement approach are examined with G…

Investigates the validity of the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) cross battery approach using elementary schools children (N=166) who were administered the Wechsler Scale Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised and the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery-Revised. Results suggest that a Wechsler-based CHC cross-battery approach is an effective…

Compares the effects of specific and general abilities on the reading and mathematics achievement of students from three ethnic groups. Results suggest that specific abilities are important for understanding student achievements, and that the same abilities are important for all ethnic groups. (Author/MKA)

Examines racial/ethnic and gender bias on curriculum-based measurement (CBM) of reading with African American and Caucasian students across grades 2-5. Results indicate that CBM fails as an unbiased indicator of current reading comprehension. Although no evidence of bias was found at grades 2 and 3, intercept bias was found for racial/ethnic…

A systematic meta-analysis of research studies (N=22) published since 1980 concerning self-concept as a multidimensional phenomenon in children and adolescents was conducted. Results show a complex pattern of gender differences and similarities, some of which were consistent across grade level. Although some of the results defied stereotypes,…

Investigates and compares the effects of explicit timing on mathematics problem completion rates in African American (n=68) and Caucasian (n=18) second-grade students. Results show that both African American and Caucasian second grade students increased their problem completion rates. No significant cross-group differences were found. Discussion…

The relationship between teachers' judgments of students' academic achievement and students' performances on an achievement test was investigated (N=12 teachers; N=47 students). Accuracy of teachers' judgments, the relationship between judgments and performances, and the effect of high vs. low achievement status on judgments were studied.…

Classroom social climate, stress, social support, quality of family life, psychological distress, and academic self-concept were modeled in a path analysis as predictors of school satisfaction (N=129). A caring, supportive school community was most predictive of students' satisfaction. Implications for prevention and intervention efforts with…