This theme issue presents a variety of viewpoints on the topic of educational programs for gifted and talented students, in three papers by Anne Turnbaugh Lockwood. The first paper, "Beyond the Golden Chromosome," reviews the ideas of Joseph S. Renzulli concerning the definition of giftedness, use of the label of gifted, the need for…

This paper considers the importance of caring for gifted children and identifies specific challenges facing Canada as the country tries to provide caring gifted education. "Caring" is defined and the importance of modeling caring behaviors so that children learn to care for others is stressed. The paper summarizes legislation and…

The question of responsibility for the education of disabled students has become a controversial issue. This article explores the debate between proponents of special education and of mainstreaming for academically handicapped children. Under Public Law 94-142, disabled children are guaranteed an appropriate public education in the least…

A popular concept in education indicates that effective instruction requires the teacher to know the child. A study was conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in order to determine where this knowledge comes from. A group of 15 teachers enrolled in the graduate school listed their students and indicated which students they knew…

Sixty-eight kindergarten teachers (from a town in Austria) who had previously labeled selected students in their classes as either aggressive or socially competent completed a questionnaire and were observed in their classroom interactions. The questionnaire yielded biographical and sociographical data of the teachers, assessed teacher attitudes,…

In an effort to broaden the context for classroom writing by providing an audience other than the teacher and classmates, a study used microcomputers, a modem and an electronic mail service to set up communications with classes in other communities. Two classes (27 students) at Sewickley Academy in Pennsylvania communicated for a semester with two…

The volume focuses on topics discussed at a symposium on research methodology in special education, with emphasis on the special educator's perspective. Following an introductory section (three chapters), are three sections with 17 chapters which cover the following topics: design of educational prescriptions--behavioral objectives and criterion…

Factors influencing the performance of handicapped students on the North Carolina Minimum Competency Test (Fall, 1978 administration) were analyzed. Educably mentally handicapped (EMH) and learning disabled (LD) students represented 83% of the 3,043 handicapped students who took the Fall, 1978 test. A questionnaire was designed to collect the…

The formation of self-concept is seriously affected by both oral and written language; language also affects the ways people think about others. Young children in particular have not yet learned the abstract concept of the generic "he" and when a judge, author, or principal is referred to as "he", the child is subtly conditioned against the idea…

Reflections on past and future uses of intelligence tests are presented. Three current approaches to intelligence tests are described: (1) neural efficiency, which relates the speed or quality of functioning of the neural system to test results; (2) information processing--cognitive micro-processes used in solving test items; and (3)…

The present report on the sensorium includes the general format, hypotheses, procedures, and contributions of the participants. For the purpose of the study, different sets of variables, hypotheses and procedures were chosen. The variables included the collective and overall perceptions of individuals representing various academic disciplines. It…

"Mainstreaming" is defined as a program whereby handicapped children are placed in regular classrooms for all or part of the school day, with steps taken to see that their special needs are satisfied within this arrangement. Key court decisions are cited because the implications of mainstreaming for contemporary education can be properly…

Noting that the fastest growing populations in the United States are biracial and multiethnic children, this multimedia exploration of dual-heritage children was developed to inform the early care and education community of the unique identity development of biracial children and their families. The multi-media packet is comprised of an educator's…

The analysis in this article is directed to the basic issues: Are IQ tests biased against Black children? And are IQ tests valid for the placement of Black children in special programs? The research evidence on these major issues is ambiguous and contradictory. (Author/CTM)

Examines the etiology, critiques, and alternative paradigms of the "at-risk" label, noting ways in which the use of that label is racist, classist, and paternalistic. The term "at risk" has become a cliche in some professional and public cultures which does a disservice to many children, families, and groups. (SM)