This editorial notes the differences between the language of science and the language of special education practice; stresses the need for communication between these groups; notes the need for publications in both areas; and urges continued dialog among researchers, practitioners, and parents. (DB)

This article refutes six myths associated with schools for students who are blind or visually impaired, such as specialized schools segregate and overprotect students from the real world, are for students with multiple disabilities only, and do not provide interaction with nondisabled children. These myths preclude some students from being…

Two studies (with 78 experts in deaf blindness and multiple disabilities and 44 parents of children with deaf blindness) explored the content and social validity of an educational planning tool--COACH (Choosing Options and Accommodations for Children). Combined results provide initial validation that COACH is congruent with exemplary practice.…

Depicts the isolation which results when education, particularly language arts education, is concerned primarily with the acquisition of skills. Urges educators not to lose sight of the fundamental purpose of the language arts, which are to help people make and articulate meaning from their experiences, to empower people, and to imagine…

Presents current research about how children learn to read and addresses the implications of this body of research for instruction. Aids educators in reflecting upon their present instructional practices to ascertain whether they coincide with findings from existing research. (MG)

Reviews the role of statistical significance testing, and argues that dominance of such testing is dysfunctional because significance tests do not provide the information that many researchers assume they do. Possible reasons for the persistence of statistical significance testing are discussed briefly, and ways to moderate negative effects are…

Responds to comments about educational research models by Ernest E. House and Cleo H. Cherryholmes with quotations from the writings of John Dewey. The points of agreement and disagreement among Dewey and these critics make it evident that theory and practice cannot be separated in educational research. (SLD)

Examines recent changes and continuing problems in Chinese science education in the areas of curriculum development and examination reform, teacher training, staff utilization, teacher recruitment and motivation, and teaching methods. Discusses related priorities in educational research and development. (SV)

Creating a school as a humane business involves hard work, hard thinking, and degree of risk-taking. All too often finances and inadequate resources are used as excuse for maintaining the status quo. Educators are advised to eliminate bells, PA systems, detention, study halls, tracking, and lock-step scheduling patterns and to institute…

The impact of the New Standards Project English language arts Field Trial Portfolio on curriculum and classroom portfolio assessment practice was studied in the 10th-grade classrooms of two experienced teachers. Case studies conducted over the school year illustrate ways in which teachers are mediators of standards and reveal problems teachers…

Discusses both the background and the current state of treatment of children with disabilities in Russia. Describes the theoretical basis of the modern Russian approach to disability, the current population's needs, and the existing system for referral and rehabilitation. Identifies merging trends and new perspectives on the Russian treatment of…

Discusses French research on the didactics of physical activities/sports. The originality of this research lies in its using a range of approaches, from descriptive and comprehensive to quasiexperimental, and in being firmly anchored in the particularity of the activities investigated. Its aim is to build knowledge that is useful didactically and…

Discusses how 34 Finnish teachers participating in a teacher-development program view efforts to renew classroom practices--especially alterations of teacher/student power relations. Despite intensive national and institution-level initiatives, teachers tend to retain traditional classroom practices, even when slowly shifting beliefs to a…

A synthesis of ethnographic studies of multicultural education in North American and Australian multiethnic classrooms is presented. Nine assertions about culturally relevant instruction and two outcomes useful for teachers working in cross-cultural and multiethnic classrooms are provided. (MMU)

Discusses some of the issues that face science educators working in developing nations. Explains that educators in the developing world should recognize existing First-World hegemony and develop their own systems, programs, and practices that are authentic and contextually relevant rather than follow the dominant order in an uncritical way. (WRM)