Light's retention scale: Does it have content validity?

The content validity of the Light's Retention Scale (LRS) was examined by assessing the use of selected retention criteria from the scale. Results indicated that several criteria were not typically considered in retention decisions and the remaining criteria varied widely in their use. Suggestions for limitations on use of the LRS were included.     

Response to Intervention in Middle Schools: Practices and Outcomes

Response to intervention (RTI) is advocated in elementary school as a system‐wide, multitiered model of academic and behavioral interventions. Middle schools have begun adopting RTI models based on these existing elementary models. This investigation into current middle school RTI practices describes technical aspects as well as some of cultural and contextual issues surrounding implementation. The study included multiple data collection procedures including surveys, discussion groups, phone interviews, and site visits. Although many schools reported substantial progress with implementation, they recognized rigorous implementation of RTI posed such on‐going challenges as changes in staffing, curricular realignments, very limited selections of screening and progress monitoring tools aligned with their curriculum, and scheduling of secondary and tertiary level interventions.     

Parenting the gifted adolescent

Parenting gifted adolescents requires democratic and androgynous parenting practices to provide the guidance that gifted students look for as they grow toward adulthood.     

The ethics of academic collection development in a politically contentious era

The ethics of academic library collection development are discussed within the context of the polarized political climate of the United States. The ethics are examined in regard to collection development and the exercise of professional judgment. Legislation introduced in the State of Colorado is used as an example of a manifestation of the political polarization. The legislation's possible effects upon the academic freedom of librarians are examined. The limitations of the ethical principle of neutrality and rationale for engaging in advocacy are explored. An expansion of the teaching role of academic technical services librarians is recommended.