Describes a student project that requires students to administer a questionnaire on sexual attitudes to family members and age-peers. Since students predict responses before administering the questionnaires, the results can illustrate the differences between actual and perceived generation gaps and other aspects of sexual socialization and value…

The paper identifies factors influencing the direction of Early Childhood Special Education by the year 2000. Predictions are offered about least restrictive environment options, transdisciplinary team models, empirical bases for family involvement, technology, number of children needing services, availability of resources, and the relationship of…

This issue of a research journal on gifted education explores issues surrounding gifted children who also have learning disabilities. Specific articles include: (1) "Notes, Quotes, and Anecdotes" (Francis Cartier); (2) "Gifted Children with Learning Disabilities: A Review of the Issues" (Linda E. Brody and Carol J. Mills), which examines current…

Discusses the educational program of the Textile Labour Association of Ahmedabad in India, which is designed to cope with the broad cultural, social, and economic problems facing workers and their families. The program focuses upon individual enrichment, cultural participation, and vocational mobility through the improvement of job skills. (JOW)

Rather than seeing the "self-selection" factor in private school enrollment as a flaw in Coleman's study, the author views this element of private choice and commitment to learning as the key to effective education and discipline. One of three theme articles: "Reflections on the 1981 Coleman study."(SJL)

The role of psychologists in helping families of the one in five Americans suffering from mental illness is described. The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill has been active in bridge building between psychologists and families through enhanced communication and improvements in support systems. An agenda of 15 recommendations for further…

The article argues that students with severe intellectual disabilities should be educated in their local "home school" so all children can prepare for a pluralistic society, so families can have easy access to schools and services, and so social relationships with nondisabled persons can be developed and maintained over long periods of time.…

Informal, museum-based technology education is discussed. A program in which family groups work together and learn robotics is described. Projected gains in technological and scientific literacy are highlighted. (CW)

Discusses the "Gardendale Family"--a vertically aligned team of K-6 classrooms. Notes that the family sought to develop a sense of community within the school; promote family involvement; develop a cognitively engaging and culturally connected curriculum; engage students in authentic learning; and develop programs to encourage individual…

Offers reflections on lingering issues raised in this themed issue on the "Gardendale Family": maintaining the integrity of the family; issues of time; curriculum standards; and effects on the rest of the school. Offers a bibliography of works considering the global concerns which prompted the formation of the Gardendale Family. (SR)

This article discusses a family-centered approach to assistive technology assessment for young children with mental retardation or developmental disabilities and their families. After a literature review, legal definitions of assistive technology are examined, and a model is presented for supporting and involving families in technology assessment…

This commentary summarizes four major themes emerging from this special issue: (a) Consultation with nonmainstream families involves empowering parents to navigate the public education system, integrating cultural considerations into consultation and intervention, and educating families and school personnel; (b) a participatory process that brings…

This paper examines the need for educators to work from a systems approach and become more involved in understanding the culture and family of minority students if these students are to learn the skills necessary to cope in school and society. The focus of the paper is on the Black student and begins with three vignettes, examples of questions…

The parent-teacher conference offers an opportunity to improve communication between home and school. In addition, it is an ideal time for discussing how the home environment can compliment and reinforce the work accomplished at school. Thus, when parents ask what they can do at home to help, the teacher can respond with specific suggestions for…

The diverse forms and changing nature of the American family have important implications for early childhood educators concerned with a multicultural group. In the wake of economic, technological, and energy changes, a single ideal American family no longer exists against which to measure all other family forms. Although the form of the nuclear…