The paper summarizes the reasons given for the decrease in Braille literacy and analyzes them as indicators of faults in the system of educating children with visual handicaps. Reasons include undercounting visually handicapped children, emphasizing use of vision, attitudes toward Braille, teacher competency, service delivery via itinerant…

In a survey of 33 teachers about their instructional planning practices, most reported using the required Madeline Hunter model of planning, but in a flexible manner to allow for wide ranges in student ability and interruptions in the school schedule. Difficulties in use of the model are discussed. (JD)

Claims it is essential that teachers recognize the pluralism of their students. Discusses feminist pedagogy and the problems of its implementation in the classroom. Cites numerous studies on student expectations of female professors as compared to male professors. Maintains that feminist pedagogy must adapt itself to the contexts of individual…

The article compares approaches to mainstreaming of students with hearing impairments in Spain and the United States. Discussed are mainstreaming as a matter of law, the importance of deaf role models, school placement in the U.S., integration practices in Spain, and the prevalence of oralism in Spain. (DB)

Four authors present arguments and counter-arguments on issues in gifted education, including student boredom, the atrophying of abilities not used, advanced classes which focus on ability but are out of step with student interests, problems of social adjustment in grade-skipping, etc. All authors stress the importance of the whole child. (JDD)

States that the relation between school and reality has widened through the years. Identifies the dominance of cognitive teaching and learning over other methods as an unwanted effect of this lack of relevance. Emphasizes the increasing importance of practical learning (learning by head and hand) in general education. (GEA)

Seven educational states or processes which are popularly deemed vices are discussed, and the argument is presented that, when properly qualified, they are valuable educational goods to be wisely promoted or exploited by the sensitive teacher. These seven are: ignorance, negativity, forgetting, guesswork, irrelevance, procrastination, and…

Contemporary educational philosophy's efforts to assimilate Nietzche's thought and adapt it to educational theory and practice often overlook or underestimate the sinister and repugnant aspects of his philosophy. In this regard, a key concept of Nietzsche's, self-surpassing, is examined and discussed in relation to his philosophy and contemporary…

This article focuses on current theories and practices in educating students with behavioral disorders, including the intrapsychic, psychoeducational, and structured/behavioral models. The history of the field is reviewed and a practical way of viewing behavior from a theoretical perspective is offered, with examples connecting theory and…

Discusses the life and work of Eduard Leisching, concentrating on his advocacy of education for those deprived of early education. Traces Leisching's path to popular education, and describes Leisching's establishment of the Society for Popular Education in Vienna in 1886. Reconstructs Leisching's educational philosophy, and considers Leisching's…

Suggests a model of knowing in which theory may emerge from classroom practice. Proposes establishing a network of writing teachers whose mission is to render accounts from the field. Argues that a dialogue between practitioners and theoreticians is long overdue. (RS)

Published opinions of acknowledged leaders in the field of mental retardation in the Soviet Union were reviewed. Basic concepts of the nature and causes of mental retardation, methods of screening, accepted classifications of persons with mental retardation, and educational facilities are described. Some comparisons with American theoretical and…

Areas of concern in the mandation of gifted education include its defensibility, affordability, and contribution to excellent education. Recommendations for improvements or alternatives to mandation are offered. In response to this paper, Neil Salkind supports mandated programs, while Peggy Dettmer's counterpoint calls for deferring judgment and…

Conversations with state department representatives in four Midwestern states produced a discussion of trends and commentary on the status of state definitions of behavioral disorders/emotional disturbance, as well as identification practices and procedures. Among concerns expressed are the need to be more systematic in gathering behavioral data.…

Reviews actions taken by the Scottish Education Department that have led to research investigating school effectiveness and school improvement efforts in Scottish schools. Efforts included defining the research context, analysis of research relating to school effectiveness and school improvement, and examining the interplay between government…