In these opening remarks to a 1984 International Conference on Education for the Gifted at the University of Stellenbosch, Union of South Africa, the Director-General of National Education summarizes the South African Government's approach to programs for gifted education. The diversity and complexity of the South African population calls for a…

The terms "educationally disadvantaged" and "compensatory education" are defined in many ways. "Compensation" implies a deficit which must be overcome, but there is little agreement on where the deficiency is located--in the child, his family or home, his school, or all of these. In general, it is agreed that school…

The report by the Queensland (Australia) Advisory Council for Special Education reviews the roles of government and voluntary associations in providing services to the handicapped. An historical review follows a discussion of principles underlying the education of handicapped children. Current Queensland provisions for the education of handicapped…

Discusses the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)'s rule requiring athletes to meet specific academic criteria. Describes two viewpoints (one which sees the rule as racist, and another which considers the rule as necessary to educational reform). Presents recommendations for educational improvement for all students, particularly…

Some evidence suggests that gains against racism and sexism in the schools during the sixties and seventies may be reversing. Warning signs are discussed, and some innovative programs which have been shown to be effective in addressing problems of racism and sexism are briefly described. (MT)

Discusses Cuba's successes in equalizing education among Black and White, male and female, rural and urban, and young and old Cubans. Discusses the biggest source of potential and actual inequality, the new elite high schools. (CMG)

A discussion of how the balance of a dual system of education existing in Iran since the 19th century has, since the 1979 revolution, been upset in favor of a religious system. (CMG)

Discusses two dimensions of equity within small-group learning--access and equitable relations--describing complex instruction (CI) as an approach that lets educators address these issues. CI teachers use cooperative learning to teach at high academic levels in diverse classrooms. The paper describes CI in action, achievement results in CI…

Offers a short history of the modern alternative-education movement. Outlines two social ends sought through public-education policy. Discusses four criteria regarding the role of alternative education in shaping an equitable youth policy for public schools. (SR)

Females, minorities, and disadvantaged students are not generally encouraged to work with computers as a result of traditional, cultural biases. Educators must work to assure equal computer access for all students. (JL)

Comments upon the Sandinistas' efforts to reorganize Nicaragua's educational system. Discusses the literacy campaign; a maintenance program that relies on volunteer workers; redirection of funds to rural areas; increases in the numbers of teachers, schools, and classrooms; training and retraining for teachers; private education; and educational…

In Europe, the numbers of women in higher education have increased, there is more co-education at elementary-secondary schools, and girls have comparable educational achievement. However, their achievement varies by subject area, stereotypes still seem to influence subject choices, and women suffer more unemployment than men with the same…

This introductory essay describes an analytical framework that locates students, staff, and institutions within both local and extra-local patterns of stratification and clarifies our theoretical understanding of ethnographic data concerning student perceptions and practices in higher education. The essay introduces four articles based on…

This article provides a critical look into national trends of the achievement gaps between Whites and Blacks and between Whites and Hispanics over the last 3 decades based on the National Assessment of Educational Progress mathematics assessments. It examines multiple facets of inequity underlying the racial and ethnic achievement gaps from 3…

This article explores the concept of vertical equity in light of school reform efforts aimed at increasing academic outcomes for all students. Vertical equity, or the idea that students who bring certain educational needs to the classroom require additional resources to address those needs within the educational process, is useful as a way to…