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)

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)

Increasing expenditures for education and a desire to more directly involve the public in the education of children have led many school districts to seek the assistance of school volunteers. This guidebook discusses the growth of the volunteer movement, suggests procedures for establishing an organized school program, and appraises potential…

The booklet covers information on sex education for handicapped students. Program organization topics include gathering background data, determining the specific population, involving parents, determining the curriculum, selecting materials, making staffing decisions, and providing ample teaching time. A curriculum outline lists eight subject…

The editor introduces a special issue on myths in gifted education. He suggests that myths deal with three major topics: definitions of the gifted and talented, identification, and programs. He concludes with a list of 14 questions concerning alternative approaches. (CL)

This monograph describes the organization, findings, and impact of a 4-year study which investigated programming options for able learners. The study had three goals: to find out what was being done in schools for able learners, to judge the effectiveness of current programs, and to recommend practices and programs which would result in…

The basic premise of the personnel evaluation technique described in this paper is that continuing improvement in performance should be the prime commitment of all professionals. Namely, both the evaluator and the one evaluated should initiate, develop, and pursue a plan of action together, as described in this paper. Also included is a sample…

The newsletter offers guidelines for conducting playdays or large group activities for handicapped students. Among the factors to consider when planning activities are total number participating, levels of physical and mental abilities, age span, sex, and assistance needs. Activities should meet the needs and interest of the students, include a…

It is important to develop total "ownership" in gifted programs so that regular teachers, administrators, and community members realize the benefits of serving the above average student. (CL)

Followup and tie in between regular classrooms and gifted programs are essential for quality programing. "Ownership" of the program by the entire school community, including counselors, librarians, and administrators, is also important. (CL)

This document comprises the nine issues of the 1999-2000 TASH Newsletter. Each issue includes news items, conference information, and articles. Major articles include the following: "1998 TASH Annual Conference: Inclusion Roundtable"; "1998 TASH Conference Keynote Address (Zuhy Sayeed); "Do Not Resuscitate - Whose Choice Is…

Recommendations for implementing school-based management and shared decision making are presented in this educational policy bulletin. Based on a literature review and reported experiences of educational practitioners, four recommendations include: transformation of authority at district and school site levels; development of a systemwide…

This paper briefly examines the nature of provisions for citizen participation in selected federal programs. Requirements for citizen involvement are discussed under three major categories: (1) organization and membership requirements, (2) duties and responsibilities, and (3) responsibilities of state and local agencies to accommodate citizen…

Updating a similar booklet published in 1975, this guide is written to assist local school districts in organizing their energy conservation efforts to maintain vital services and programs and to provide the healthful, safe, and comfortable physical environment necessary for schools. Topics covered include the composition of the district energy…

The three articles in this newsletter focus on ideas, programs, activities, and research concerned with reading in the content areas. The individual articles contain a discussion of the general approaches that characterize many successful content area reading programs, suggestions for educators who are considering establishing such programs in…