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A cohort of 2nd-grade students provided comparisons of academic and social competence based on school retention/promotion decisions. Sample groups were (a) retained, (b) at risk for retention, (c) special education, and (d) promoted. Findings suggested most children with academic deficiencies are identified by schools early and are sorted into educational treatments differing in intensity that represent a continuum of competence. The authors provide empirical evidence counter to the assumptions that retained students have the requisite ability to catch up and have more problem behaviors than other low-achieving students. The relevance of high-stakes test scores for promotion/retention decisions and the parallels between schools' implementation of retention policy and implementation of regulations for identifying children with disabilities are included in the discussion.

Three groups of fifth graders (total n=104) classified as either at-risk and with anti-social behavior/hyperactivity, at-risk only, or controls were contrasted on protective and risk factors from third-grade using multivariate analyses. Seven of eight variables were found to predict group membership including protective factors (e.g., academic and social skills) and risk factors (disciplinary contacts and critical events). (Contains references.) (DB)

Third-grade children with high or low social and academic self-concepts that were either consistent with or discrepant from external indices of social and academic competence were contrasted on a variety of measures using multiple assessment methods. Findings suggest the relation between self-concept and adjustment might be explained by the consistency or discrepancy between self and external appraisals. (Author/MKA)

Three groups of third-grade students classified as either Externals (n=30), Internalizers (n=55), or Controls (n=96) were contrasted on 19 measures in social and academic domains. Results indicate large differences between externalizing and internalizing groups compared with controls; however, both externalizing and internalizing groups had adequate academic self-concepts and social self-concepts. (Author/CR)

A study explored classroom reading assessments, IQ and achievement scores, and placement decision of 26 students referred to Student Study Teams for intervention and determination of special-education eligibility. Congruence was moderate between placement decisions and discrepancy-based determination of learning disabilities and between placement decision and severity of academic referral. (Author/CR)

This study evaluated 150 elementary students previously referred to school study teams for possible learning disability (LD) as defined by a discrepancy between IQ and performance on a standardized achievement test. Comparison with actual school-based decisions found fewer than half of students certified as LD by local schools evidenced the aptitude-achievement discrepancy required by the state (California). (DB)

A sample of 150 children referred to child-study teams were administered intelligence tests. One-third of White students and slightly over half of Black and Hispanic students scored in the borderline IQ range (71-85). Of those borderline students who subsequently received special education, the majority were served as learning disabled. (Author/CR)

In an attempt to identify the earliest, most efficient, and most accurate predictors of emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD), characteristics of 155 third-graders at risk for EBD were examined. Students categorized as high-risk experienced higher rates of peer rejection and poor social skills and exhibited hyperactivity and defiant behaviors. Functional assessment is discussed. (CR)

School study teams' use of results from traditional psychoeducational measures in determining eligibility for special education is examined. Three groups of students were studied: (1) learning disabled (N=47); (2) mildly mentally retarded (N=43); (3) low achievers (N=60). Relatively low agreement was found between eligibility and research criteria. (Author/EMK)

Comparison of 150 children (white, black, and Hispanic) in grades 2 through 4 who had been recommended for prereferral intervention found that white children evidenced significantly higher verbal IQs and reaching achievement scores, black children had a higher incidence of behavior problems than Hispanic children, and behavior problems were more typically exhibited by males. (Author/DB)

A study of 150 students, who were referred to school study teams, investigated schools' classification decisions on low IQ students with academic and behavioral problems and found a decline in the identification rates of mild mental retardation. Compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is discussed. (CR)

The label "educable mentally retarded" differentially influenced elementary teacher (N=1,114) expectations across academic ability, student behavioral potential, ability to work with the child, and general impressions of the child. Data also showed that a child's attractiveness and school-related traits significantly influenced initial expectations of regular class teachers. (Author/CL)

Combined teacher ratings of perceived cognitive competence and misbehavior accounted for the most variance in peer acceptance or rejection of educable mentally handicapped children. Ratings of academic competence were associated with both acceptance and rejection of educationally handicapped children (a category of low achievers used in California). (Author/GDC)