This collection of 64 papers from a 1997 international conference of special educators focuses on the challenges of diversity in education. Topics of the papers include: (1) assessment strategies for individuals with autism; (2) self-determination strategies for at-risk youth with learning, behavior, and emotional disabilities; (3) developing standards for professionals working with students with exceptionalities; (4) cooperative teaching and creating effective teams; (5) inclusive education implications for gifted youth; (6) dealing with test anxiety and underachievement of students with special needs; (7) inclusion of young children with disabilities; (8) developing collaborative partnerships in higher education; (9) a systemic approach to special education; (10) formative rhythmics; (11) tracking techniques used in the remedial teaching of writing; (12) intervention strategies for at-risk high school students; (13) teaching self-management to students with diverse needs; (14) diagnosis and remediation of early reading difficulties; (15) educator resistance and acceptance of inclusion; (16) developing effective school-to-work models for students with autism spectrum disorders; (17) educational software; (18) a conceptual model of diversity; (19) young volunteers with disabilities; (20) low-income preschool programs in Korea; (21) effects of cognitive awareness training on boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); (22) identification of deafness; (23) the implication of Vygotsky's theory for the assessment of disadvantaged learners; (24) funding special needs and diversity programs; (25) the improvement of the creativity of children with deafness; (26) culturally relevant partnerships between families and professionals; (27) responsibility and self-esteem; (28) early intervention program development; (29) the roles of paraeducators in special education; (30) turning cultural diversity into multiculturalism; (31) pursuing goal setting and career development to improve self-esteem and academic achievement; (32) learning styles and culturally diverse students with special needs; (33) comorbidity of ADHD in adults with mental retardation; (34) attitudes toward critical thinking among students enrolled in teacher education programs; (35) a transdisciplinary assessment model for children with ADHD; (36) special educator needs in working with students with emotional disturbances; (37) regular and special education teacher training; (38) enhancing resiliency in families of preschool children; (39) preschoolers' knowledge of mathematics; (40) teachers' perceptions of their influence in the psycho-emotional development of their students; (41) comparison of Canadian and Chinese teachers' perceptions and attitudes toward social integration; and (42) raising awareness of disabilities and promoting social integration of children with disabilities in elementary schools. (Papers include references.) (CR)