Continuing unresolved problems in the field of special education include the continued use of discrepancy models; the need for better identification models; continued debate over programmatic issues, ranging from inclusion to self-contained models; and the continued overrepresentation of certain ethnic and racial groups in the learning…

A dataset containing demographic information, gifted nomination status, and gifted identification status for all elementary school students in the state of Georgia (N = 705,074) was examined. The results indicated that automatic and teacher referrals were much more valuable than other referral sources. Asian and White students were much more…

The authors argue that English language learner (ELL) language assessment policy and poor language tests partly account for ELLs' disproportionate representation in special education. Previous research indicates that many states routinely assess ELLs' first language (L1) at initial enrollment and that ELLs identified as limited in both languages…

In this article, the author discusses the trends of advanced placement classes in American high schools. At Sharpstown High School, advanced placement classes have long been reserved for the academically well-to-do. Other students, a majority of them poor and members of racial or ethnic minorities, never considered the rigorous, college-level…

The organized political efforts to dismantle affirmative action programs resulted in both advantages and disadvantages in keeping the doors of higher education open to historically underrepresented students. The advantages included short-term solutions to underrepresentation such as developing alternative admission criteria for higher education.…

After more than a decade of steady enrollments and degree completion rates by underrepresented minorities, public schools, colleges, advocacy groups and government agencies still face a daunting task in helping bring Blacks, Latinos and American Indians into the engineering profession in numbers reflecting their growing ranks in the American…

This paper reports on the first phase of a study of the experiences of a small group of students (35) that have entered an "elite" Scottish university directly from Further Education (FE) colleges where they have studied Higher National Certificate and Diploma courses. Students' experiences were gathered through in-depth interviews and a…

This article describes a psychoeducational group for ethnic minority residents in a predominantly White adolescent residential treatment center. Group process and development are discussed, and a sample 10-week group is described as a way to provide an example of the application of the Association for Specialists in Group Work's "Principles for…

Gender inequalities in education are very apparent. Young women are overrepresented in educational training and in the school-based training and correspondingly underrepresented in the dual training courses. Gender segmentation in professional education continues to exist. Women are overrepresented in the service sector, while men are in…

This paper reviews the rationale behind the recent US Supreme Court ruling in the University of Michigan's "Grutter v. Bollinger" case (2003). It describes the educational benefits of diversity as documented by research and argued by the seventy-five amicus briefs filed in support of the law school's race-based admissions policies. It further…

This paper explores a number of themes relating to gender and teaching. The existing balance of women and men in the teaching profession in Ireland and internationally is examined; patterns at entry to initial teacher education in Ireland are outlined; gender differences in final awards are presented; finally, sociological questions raised by…

Princeton University has decided to build up its African-American-studies program, developing a new major and adding a number of faculty positions. Enhancing its program will not only allow Princeton to confront the challenge of racial inequality, it will also enable the university to attract some of the "talented students" that members of the…

Educators across the United States continue to enable a wider and more ethnically diverse proportion of students to achieve success in AP[R]. Significant inequities remain, however, which can result in traditionally underserved students not receiving the type of AP (Advanced Placement) opportunities that can best prepare them for college success.…

The authors offer a consultation approach that grew from a review of literature on the differential participation rates of various U.S. demographic groups in programs for gifted and talented children and from two small evaluation studies of consultation efforts to increase the number of Latino English language learners in gifted and talented…

This book provides new ways of thinking about educational processes, using quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Concrete examples of research techniques are provided for those conducting research with marginalized populations or about marginalized ideas. This volume asserts theoretical models related to research methods and the study of…