Referral-to-placement ratio: a finding in need of reassessment?

Previous research has reported that the number of evaluated children placed in special education is as high as three out of four. The purpose of the present study is to reassess, extend, and update referral-to-placement research. Subjects consisted of 236 predominantly white children referred for special education evaluation from 12 suburban and rural school districts.

Categorical and programming changes in special education services.

Special education students (N = 654) were studied to determine what proportion had a categorical or programming change and what factors (child, school, and home) were associated with change. The study included all students with disabilities from preschool through secondary school in a tricounty rural district. Data were gathered through a record review and parent survey.

Continuity in childhood depression.

It is only in recent years that childhood depression has received widespread attention from mental health specialists. Its status as a clinical syndrome of childhood remains unclear. Many controversies surround various facets of this condition, foremost among these are questions relating to the duration of depressive disorders, the likelihood of recurrence, and the long-term outcome of depressed children.