This article discusses how the broadening of the federal definition of giftedness will possibly increase the number of students identified as gifted. Far from dumbing down the definition, this article argues the new definition will allow many minority children to be identified and served as gifted students. (Contains 8 references.) (CR)

Argues that although certain assumptions underlie those who have received affirmative action, these programs have produced many important successes. Examines the ironic polarizing effect of affirmative action and discusses how affirmative action should not be confused with diversity. Highlights the importance of diversity and its role in higher…

Looks at Merici, a 16th-century activist and feminist, from the perspective of those who are interested in integrating action with contemplation, in promoting the dignity and self-esteem of women through education and in attracting people of all social groups to work together for the benefit of society as a whole. (BF)

"The Bell Curve" claims that most human differences and almost all social injustices can be traced to intelligence, and that distribution of intelligence should influence distribution of educational resources to allow students to find their proper and inevitable place in society. Applied to educational policy, this vision of the world…

Argues that equal educational opportunity has never been realized nationally or internationally. Suggests that the degree of selection is higher in Germany and other German-speaking countries than elsewhere. Concludes that exceptional curricular and structural factors in Bielefeld's experimental Oberstufen-Kolleg helped achieve equal educational…

This paper describes progress made between 1973 and 1993 toward creating gender equity in education, with a focus on the Oregon experience. Four topics are addressed: (1) law and policy; (2) language; (3) the culture of school; and (4) school administration. Law and policy are needed at least to change behaviors, though they may not be sufficient…

Neighborhood-based independent schools are more satisfactory than idealistic attempts to achieve an equitable education for minority and disadvantaged children within public institutions. Instead of assimilation, there is acute alienation from schooling for a large proportion of minority students in poor urban neighborhoods as majority-culture…

Public school systems that provide high quality learning experiences for all children and a wide range of choice to respond to parents' and students' values and concerns can overcome a large part of the inequity that results from poor people's effective lack of choice of private or exclusive public schools. (PS)

Examines the issues and controversies related to immigration in Australia, the acceptance of the "multicultural Australia" concept, and the educational system's structure. Argues that while there has been a manifest transition from migrant to multicultural education, forces favoring the status quo have created a latent, de facto ethnic…

Florida mandated high school competency tests in 1978. Evidence presented in the court case of Debra P. versus Turlington indicated students learn what they are taught. Low failure districts reported more concentration on basic skills. The issue of educational equity versus educational excellence has not been more resolved. (DWH)

This article examines classroom discrimination and finds that students develop biases from the group they belong in and through previous experiences. To counter such stereotypes, teachers must examine their own attitudes and those of their students. Heterogeneous group activities where students can work together are suggested. (DF)

Within the current historical crisis of transnational capitalism, disabled people are finding themselves increasingly at risk. It is essential to (re)theorize the category of disability, particularly in critical response to the emancipatory possibilities offered through "border pedagogies." The paper locates the conceptual category of disability…

This report examines the over-representation of Romani children in special schools for the mentally handicapped in the Czech Republic, reviewing the history of Roma in the Czech Republic, detailing problems in educating Romani children (who are segregated from non-Romani children), and discussing the inferior quality of remedial education. The…

This essay examines poverty in Latin America and its effect on education. It focuses on sexual bias and emphasizes that poverty is inherent in the social and economic structure of the region. The text examines how states in Latin America view the role of education, and it describes the growing chasm between the poor and the gentrified in various…

An argument is presented that liberal social reforms do not and cannot provide justice. Historical perspectives supporting this thesis are discussed. (JMF)