Evaluation of the self-monitoring of instructional decisions by three instructors in a continuing education program for adults with severe mental retardation found initial inconsistent adherence to the data-based rules for making instructional decisions, which was successfully modified by an individual training session in which participants…

This paper describes an integrated, extended year pilot program which integrated 18 preschool and elementary children with severe disabilities into community recreation programs. The paper discusses the program development process; preliminary results of the program; and evaluative feedback from recreation agency staff, nondisabled children, and…

Interviews with 84 employers in 6 occupational clusters resulted in identification of the following top incentives to hiring a person with mental retardation: probability of regular attendance, ongoing availability of assistance, high probability of long-term employment, and availability of person for on-site training. The two lowest incentives…

Guidelines are given for how experts in the education of gifted students can best interact with the media, in the context of the renewed emphasis on excellence in education. Suggestions include preparing for an interview, avoiding being misquoted, and preparing written materials. (DB)

Comparison of the fields of gifted education and middle school education indicates some major differences in such areas as organizing for instruction, how students learn, mainstreaming, delivery of instruction, affective needs, and the concept of giftedness. (Author/DB)

Gifted learning-disabled and average learning-disabled middle school boys (n=42) in grades 6-9 were compared on ways they cope with difficult school situations. Although no group differences were found on the Coping Resources Inventory, significant differences were found in the actual strategies the groups reported using, with gifted students…

The article presents and illustrates use of an evaluation model for assessing programs for the gifted where tight experimental control is not possible. The model consists of four components: ex post factor designs including intact groups; comparative evaluation; strength of treatment; and multiple outcome assessment from flexible data sources. (DB)

This interview with a gifted adult, Curt Dempster, the artistic director of the Ensemble Studio Theater, New York City, explores his career development, his suggestions for identifying artistic talent in children, his ideas about intensive training programs for talented children, and his concerns about the role of arts in contemporary culture. (DB)

The idea of "resiliency" (successful development of children despite stressful childhoods) is related to ideas of gifted education. Three publications addressing the idea of resiliency are reviewed. (DB)

This article describes nine federally funded projects serving gifted children. Three projects serve young children (New Horizons, Project Synergy, and Project STRENGTHS); three focus on disadvantaged or minority populations; and the remaining three deal with nurturing scientific and mathematical talent, studying educational policy, and using music…

Examination of the interactions of five teachers working with multiethnic classes of five and six year olds in the United Kingdom found that the teacher interacted less frequently with black than white children and also spent less time with black students discussing particular tasks. (21 references) (Author/CB)

Analysis of kindergarten students'"pretend reading" of a wordless picture book indicated that the well-read-to children possessed implicit knowledge of the role of the writer of narrative by providing appropriate information and creating constrained and vivid images solely through linguistic means. (17 references) (Author/CB)

A comparison of adolescent perspectives on bilingualism and English as a Second Language with official policy views considers how to actually incorporate adolescent perspectives, which were more far reaching in their cultural frame of reference and in their sense of social and linguistic possibility, within proposals for language awareness…

Discusses the rapid development of secondary vocational and technical education in China's Beijing Municipality. Identifies the close relationships among (1) the vocational and technical schools and Beijing's economic and social development; (2) the schools and general education; (3) the schools themselves; and (4) the schools' professional and…

Describes the growth of vocational and technical education in China. Expresses concern that newer vocational and technical schools may not meet desired standards. Suggests that low quality may be due to inadequate budgets, facilities, faculty, and sources of students. Calls for increased attention to poorer quality schools and reduced educational…