This article describes a wilderness education program that uses a rope challenge course to foster group cooperation and individual self-confidence in deaf and hard-of-hearing high school students. (DB)

In this interview, concern is expressed regarding the low number of students being served in gifted programs. Giftedness is defined in terms of above average ability, creativity, and task commitment. The parents' role in stimulating their children's creativity and intelligence is discussed, as are ability grouping versus tracking, and curriculum…

This study evaluated a Chattanooga, Tennessee, leadership training program provided to 30 grade 10-11 students who demonstrated high leadership potential. Program results indicated positive changes in student openness, persuasiveness, ascendance, individual decision making, and self-assurance. A three-month followup found lasting effects, with…

Discusses the ability of young children to engage in critical decision making. Reviews the steps in the decision-making process. Presents a lesson plan requiring children in grades four through six to analyze and decide whether the United States should take control of a mythical island. Provides instructions on procedures, handouts, and evaluation…

Holistic teaching in secondary school English helps avoid subject matter isolation and fragmentation. It involves exposing students to forthcoming information, covering subject matter, and following up on information presented. It engages the whole student, creating effective communicators who think critically and comprehend written and spoken…

This paper discusses major principles characterizing the whole language philosophy of teaching and learning; assumptions of the mechanistic and relational paradigms; whole language practices such as the Shared Book Experience and Reading Recovery for helping students with reading difficulties; and the potential of whole language for developing…

This article examines the status of mainstreaming of students with hearing impairments, the growth of the Student Development movement, and the reality versus the vision of mainstreaming. Attention to the four "P's" of mainstreaming--people, place, purpose, and process--is urged in order to build a supportive mainstream program. (JDD)

A study at the University of Tennessee Knoxville used mixed-effect structural equation models incorporating latent variables as an alternative to conventional methods of analyzing college students' (n=722) first-year-to-senior academic gains. Results indicate, contrary to previous analysis, that coursework and student characteristics interact to…

This paper reviews the school histories of five extremely gifted Australian children (IQs 160-200) who had been radically accelerated. A combination of grade skipping and radical subject matter acceleration gave the children access to curricula commensurate with their abilities as well as healthier levels of social self-esteem. (Author/DB)

This article identifies problems commonly attributed to acceleration for gifted students. Specific student concerns (such as friendships) and administrative concerns (such as difficulties in awarding course credits) are addressed. Five suggestions are made to help districts plan for providing accelerative options. (DB)

Suggests methods for music teachers to use in helping at-risk students gain confidence in electronic music composition class. Recommends that at-risk students be given leadership roles and worked with on an individual basis. Emphasizes maintaining a supportive, nonthreatening, and creative classroom environment where students can feel positive and…

Colleges and universities, once largely homogeneous communities, are being transformed by the new diversity of their populations, and sense of community is endangered by racial and ethnic grouping. "Emancipatory knowledges" (critical, feminist, postcolonial views of community) provide a framework and language for building a community…

Middle schools are responsible for preparing young adolescents for high school and helping them develop clear self-concepts and solid values. The nationally recognized Effective Parenting Information for Children (EPIC) program provides workshops for school staff and parents focusing on self-esteem issues and decision-making and problem-solving…

Career development programs for gifted and talented students must address the issues of multipotentiality, expectations, lifestyle, financial and time investment, mobility, and innovativeness. Seven essential components of career development include content acceleration, self-awareness, self-concept, interpersonal effectiveness, creative problem…

This study examined patterns of coursework and levels of involvement of 1,099 adult students to evaluate whether some key factors commonly used to predict undergraduate students' academic performance are appropriate for use with this population. Results suggest traditional models are inappropriate for this large and growing proportion of the…