This issue of Exploratorium Magazine is devoted to languages as a systematic means of getting across ideas. Contents include: (1) "Where Do Languages Come From" (Merrit Ruhlen); (2) "English in Transition" (Rupert Peene); (3) "The Making of English" (Judith Brand); (4) "Try This!"-Become a Word Historian and One Poem-Three Poems" (Kurt…

Characteristics of gifted programs that stick out like a "sore thumb" include vulnerability to charges of elitism, the notion that gifted students are better students, a lack of teacher support, and a high degree of rigidity. (CL)

The author refutes the myth that gifted students comprise a single, homogeneous group. She cites the wide variety of characteristics and notes the influence of environment upon the individual, all of which supports the need for multicomponent programs. (CL)

Some identification and programing approaches for gifted students are said to shortchange all students and perpetuate a myth of exclusivity. The real issue, the author contends, is not whether the label "gifted" is affixed, but whether all children's needs are met through the regular curriculum or through adaptations. (CL)

Gifted programs should not be developed only to compensate for inadequate regular classrooms. Instead, the principles of gifted education should be applied to the total environment, with enrichment activities for gifted students requiring intensity of effort in specialized areas. (CL)

Planning is of prime importance in providing programs for gifted and talented students. Districts should emphasize an awareness campaign on the premises and needs of gifted education. An individual should then be appointed and trained as the district specialist in gifted and talented education. (CL)

Five articles address philosophy instruction for gifted students. (SB)

"Folksong in the Classroom," is a newsletter representing a network of teachers of English, history, music and the humanities. Its purpose is to make available to the educational community the folk music that is American heritage and to which all young people should have access. This volume serves two main purposes: (1) to provide…

This volume deals with the issue of schools and delinquency and contains three major articles. "American Education: American Delinquency" (Gary D. Gottfredson) reviews the documentation for the successes and failures of American education as it has import for the generation and/or control of law violations of youth. It explains how families,…

Each school day, hundreds of thousands of students are missing from their classrooms--many without a bona fide excuse. Left unchecked, truancy is a risk factor for serious juvenile delinquency. Truancy's impact also extends into the adult years where it has been linked to numerous negative outcomes. Consequently, it is critical to identify…

This issue of Exploratorium Magazine focuses on microbes. Different types of microorganisms are introduced based on their living environments or whether they are harmful or beneficial. Contents include: (1) "It's a Small World" (Blake Edgar); (2) "The Human Body: A Complex Ecosystem" (Nik Walter); (3) "The Hills That…

The author suggests that, although measuring creativity is a challenge, it is not impossible. Measures of the creative process are available, such as the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking. (CL)

Meeting the needs of gifted students requires a diversity of educational offerings, with three basic modifications of the regular curriculum (more information, higher level material, and faster pace). (CL)

The author introduces a series of articles on the use of microcomputers in education, particularly with the disabled. (For related articles, see EC 142 960-962.) (Author)

This theme issue highlights the diversity of reform initiatives in order to provide a deep understanding of the complexities associated with educational reform in general and the reform of science education in particular. Systemic reform initiatives at the national and state levels along with locally-inspired efforts at reform are outlined.…