This discussion of issues in gifted education focuses on the need to support effective practices that are also equitable. The article considers problems with defining gifted students as the "cognitive elite," the provision of qualitatively different programs to gifted children, and the need for challenging intellectual work and development of…

Longitudinal data from two cohorts of over 4,000 students, followed from grade 7 through grade 9, reveal that schools differed in track structure, criteria for student assignment, assignment flexibility, and the effects of tracking on student growth in achievement over time. Implications for the school choice debate are discussed. (SV)

The school superintendency is reviewed as it has evolved and as it currently functions. A view of the superintendency is advanced that could be acceptable in evaluation in contemporary school systems but that still recognizes the distinctive requirements of different settings. A superintendent duties list is presented. (SLD)

The boundaries between educational research, policy, and practice are becoming blurred in the postmodern age. Ways to transform knowledge utilization and teacher self-knowledge to greater educational productivity are explored, and principles for reinventing the relationships between knowledge creation and knowledge use are discussed. (SLD)

Defines four essential elements of a system of educational standards: (1) common, rigorous student achievement standards; (2) state-administered assessments; (3) explicit rewards for achievement; and (4) opportunity to reach the standards. Practices to ensure these conditions and enact a system based on these elements are discussed. (SLD)

Type of adventure program (recreational, educational, developmental, or therapeutic) is determined by its purpose for change, not its client population. Facilitation techniques used in different types of adventure programs include letting the experience speak for itself, interpreting the experience, debriefing clients on the experience, direct…

Briefly discusses questions in Canadian education that no one seems to be pursuing: what works, who will lead, why is there so much rant and "can't," how to end the isolation in education, where are the good things happening, and when can we see results? (SAS)

This article analyzes the identification, evaluation, and education of gifted students in Spain. The lack of specific legislation normalizing the identification of and educational attention to gifted students is discussed, along with the debate over equality vs. equity, the development of identification procedures, and the need for teacher…

Argues for the need to put into practice policies of multicultural education using case studies of three individuals from three different cultural backgrounds. These individuals used their own cultural diversity as a model of successful intercultural teamwork in planning and implementing a multicultural education course for undergraduate teacher…

Suggests that distance education advocates and critics alike should learn that responding to learners' needs for independent learning is a fundamental principle. Discusses learner autonomy; new admirers of distance education; lack of sensitivity to individual learning differences and the increased use of streaming media; and the position of Dr.…

Describes how providing leadership opportunities for children during the 30-minute circle time in a kindergarten class illustrates social curriculum. Includes discussion of developing social skills through daily routines and extending learning through social interactions. Offers suggestions for teachers, including modeling desired behavior,…

Discusses three factors that have contributed to the decline of eccelsiastical influences on the ethical decisions of Christians in the workplace. Considers the components of a business-ethics curriculum. Outlines one model for both teaching theological/philosophical bases for moral action and providing support groups for business people…

Addresses how teachers have too little time to cover all possible music instruction topics in depth. Discusses the use of assessment as a starting place in planning. Asserts that assessment criteria should consider students as accomplished learners and states that music education must focus on what students should know and do. (CMK)

Identifies the difference between measurement and evaluation and considers how to use a variety of assessment tools (seating charts, rating scales, age-appropriate tests, and portfolios and grade books) to the best advantage. Reveals the benefits of assessment both in general and to music teachers. (CMK)

Suggests a reconsideration of the criticism of Japanese competition against the background of the Japanese educational system's highly developed learning culture. Considers some of the basic aspects of group-oriented communal learning in school, while also cautioning against a "monocausal" culturalism. (Author/CMK)