A study was conducted to investigate empirically the nature of program development, testing Everett Rogers' model of collective adoption of an innovation against the data, and distinguishing between the developmental patterns of high and low quality programs. Subjects were 34 school districts representing a 10 percent sample of 340 districts…

Data from a Class Activities Questionnaire was used in the evaluation of the state gifted program in Illinois to determine patterns of cognitive and affective emphasis in gifted and average classes. Significant differences were found in the degree of emphasis on higher thought processes, classroom focus, and classroom climate. Significant…

Two curriculum specialists recount the growth of special education programs in Illinois. They note that strong professional advocacy and political know-how help to promote such programs, but warn that problems of implementation can arise. (Author)

The purpose of this paper is to examine and evaluate the form, function, and effectiveness of Illinois demonstration centers established as change agents for the improvement of district programs for gifted children. The evaluation involved an analysis of the centers' policies formulated over an extended time period, the quality of the…

Initiated in 1964, the Illnois gifted program provided funds for development of local gifted programs by local districts. General purposes and criteria for individual programs were realized with varying success. Gifted programs increased and were extended to less wealthy and smaller districts; techniques and inservice education spilled over into…