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…

This paper discusses how the planning, programming, budgeting, and evaluating systems (PPBES) can be individually designed to help local school districts meet their financial needs. Each segment of the system is individually described along with actual implementation. The paper concludes that adoption of such systems can enhance educational…

This document describes an accelerated school project adopted in 1993 at the Blanche Pope Elementary School in the rural Oahu community of Waimanalo, Hawaii. The project is based on the key concept of "powerful learning," a belief that the education provided for gifted and talented children works well for all children. Every learning…

The newsletter describes the development of a therapeutic recreation program for the severely and profoundly retarded using a recreational programing hierarchy approach. Sections address the following areas: identifying the habits and habit systems of the retarded individual as they relate to the interactional process of the family system,…

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 topical newsletter focuses on ways to convert segregated day programs for people with disabilities into community integrated employment programs. Individual sections cover: common "conversion" myths and appropriate responses; a national status report on conversion; Florida's innovative use of the Medicaid waiver to fund conversion;…

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…

A consumer product safety monthly planning guide for community organizations is provided. The material is organized into suggested monthly topics with seasonal emphasis. Each section highlights selected information about how to identify potential hazards associated with categories of products. Each section also includes recommendaitons of ways to…

Guidelines are provided for disseminating information on teacher corps projects. Information is given on experienced disseminators such as existing networks that are available to help in planning. Suggestions are made on targeting information and marketing. (JD)

"Catalyst" is a publication designed to assist higher education in developing alcohol and other drug prevention polices and programs that will foster students' academic and social development and promote campus and community safety. Issue 1 of volume 6 introduces a series of "Presidential Profiles" in which university presidents describe their…