The empowerment dilemma: The dialectic of emancipation and control in staff/client interaction at shelters for battered women

This study investigated the dialectic of emancipation and control in the relationship between staff and clients at shelters for battered women. Accounts from shelter workers indicated that the power structure of their relationship with clients is characterized by four properties: a circumstantial dichotomy, contrasting experiences, asymmetrical roles, and resource control. Additionally, the workers discussed four contradictory aspects of the shelter worker/shelter client relationship (their relationship with clients, the shelter environment, the clients' options, and the amount of time the client spends at the shelter) which reflected the existence of the dialectic of emancipation and control in their interaction with clients. Findings are discussed in terms of domestic shelters, shelter worker/shelter client relationships, and dialectical theory.     

Negotiation of Dialectical Contradictions by Parents who have Experienced the Death of a Child

This study examines how bereaved parents experience communicating with individuals in their social network. The bereaved parents in this study experienced two dialectical contradictions: (a) between the physical absence of their child and the continuing presence and emotional bond with their deceased child; and (b) between being open or closed when deciding whether to talk about the deceased child to others. Results describe how parents communicatively negotiated these contradictions. The article concludes by discussing practical applications for bereaved parents, bereavement support groups, helping professionals, and individuals within the bereaved parents' social network.     

Implicit Association Tests of Attitudes Toward Persons With Disabilities

The authors assessed 3 of the currently available implicit association tests designed to measure attitudes toward persons with disabilities. The Revised Multiple Disability Implicit Association Test, the Implicit Association Test for Attitudes Toward Athletes With Disabilities, and the Disability Attitude Implicit Association Test were related to each other, demonstrating some consistency in measurement. They were mostly unrelated, however, to more traditional, explicit measures of attitudes toward persons with disabilities. In addition, although the implicit association tests were not related to socially desirable responding, the most psychometrically sound explicit measure (The Interaction With Disabled Persons Scale) was related to socially desirable responding.     

Using NCES national datasets for evaluation of postsecondary issues

The purpose of this study is to review 10 NCES databases that can be used for researching postsecondary issues and provide lesser‐known facts to using the datasets that are important but may not be widely understood. Issues addressed include: (1) access; (2) statistical issues; (3) database nuances; and (4) database training opportunities. A concise review of each database is also provided which includes: (1) a general overview of the survey; (2) formats in which the dataset is available; and (3) research areas (which include key variables that can be used as a basis for research themes along with examples of how the dataset has been used to answer research questions). The databases provide rich sources of information for national as well as international comparative analysis studies.     

Fixed Fields Coded Data for Geo-Related Information in the MARC21 Structure: A Discussion on the Possible Expansion of Coded Data Elements to Improve Machine Manipulation and User Discovery

Patrons of map collections often have specific, geographically-based, requests for maps and the information they provide. Map librarians can often meet these needs through personal knowledge of the scope of their collections. For larger collections, this method is unsustainable. This article, therefore, seeks to begin a discussion on how coding could be used to expand the ability of our patrons’ online information seeking methods to meet their information needs.     

The Social Functioning of Students With Learning Disabilities: Implications for Inclusion

This article presents a selected review of research on the social functioning of students with learning disabilities (LD) and draws implications for the inclusion of students with LD in regular education classrooms. Four areas of social functioning are addressed: social skills, self-concept, friendships, and social networks. Research in these areas indicates that some, though not all, students with LD demonstrate problems in the social domain that may have consequences for their inclusion in regular classrooms. In light of the trend toward inclusion of students with LD, we argue that the social dimensions of placement decisions for these students should be considered.     

RTI models as alternatives to traditional views of learning disabilities: Response to the commentaries

Two commentaries in this issue, one by Torgesen and one by Fuchs and Fuchs, are largely supportive of our views of the value of implementing response to intervention (RTI) models in schools. In contrast, Reynolds and Shaywitz's criticisms of RTI represent traditional and often nonempirical views of learning disabilities (LDs). The evidence base on RTI is not empty, and Reynolds and Shaywitz fail to provide research support for their views of either LDs or RTI.