Discusses limitations of generally accepted criteria for identifying the academically gifted. Recommends an identification process which equates precocity with academic talent by focusing on children who perform exceptionally well on advanced tests of specific subject matter. Notes that this process has been useful in identifying the gifted among…

Examines the individual and social contexts of the life of Mamie Clark (wife of African American psychologist Kenneth Clark), whose work at the Harlem Northside Center for Child Development helped define an increasing interest in the psychology of children of color. Urges greater attention to the dynamics of race and gender in history of…

Summarizes key recommendations resulting from a meeting of national leaders in bioethics, multicultural research, and ethnic minority mental health. The recommendations focus on applying a cultural perspective to the evaluation of research risks and benefits; developing and implementing respectful informed consent procedures; developing and…

This statement was an appendix to the appellants' briefs in the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, Briggs v. Elliott, and Davis v. Prince Edward County, Virginia, cases. The statement offers definitions of segregation and discusses the implications and potential effects of segregation on children both in minority and majority groups.

Errors in the planning, procedures, and logistics of the babylift are discussed, including the problems of the childrens health and physical safety, and whether many of them are actually orphans. Frequent criticisms raised by the babylift effort are also analyzed. (Author/AM)

Overrepresentation of minorities in special education classes and bias in IQ tests that allegedly underlies such placements are discussed in regard to the use of psychological tests for educational classification. Concludes that the use of tests, rather than the tests themselves, leads to discriminatory placement. Suggests solutions to this…

Examines mental health literature on Hispanic populations, and uncovers the following broad approaches to the development of culturally sensitive therapy programs: (1) rendering traditional approaches more accessible to Hispanics; (2) using elements of Hispanic culture to select from available therapeutic modalities; and (3) using elements of…

Summarizes how cultural research can inform mainstream psychology, focusing on the role of specific cultural practices in organizing human endeavors. Describes Vygotsky's theoretical approach. The cultural perspective can be useful in advancing research on American children with different cultural backgrounds. (Author/BJV)

Examines research and theory on the assessment of cognitive abilities in culturally distinct populations, particularly Afro-American children, in order to provide a better understanding of variation in performance on tests of ability and academic achievement. (BJV)