Illustrates with one play example, from a five-year study of mentally retarded persons in a state school setting, that the prevailing nature of educational and therapeutic practice needs to be questioned. Identifies the different levels of interpretation and form of analysis in this setting and how each influences the other. (Author/JS)

Analyzes unsuccessful attempts to reform the vocational education system of Greece throughout the twentieth century. Delineates the structure of the present system based on reform legislation of 1983 and 1985. States that it is still too early to assess any outcomes of the reforms. (DB)

This article reports on a one-year networking program designed to increase the leadership of school principals in special education. Results of evaluation questionnaires and interviews with a sample of participants indicate heightened levels of awareness of special education "best practices," with indirect effects on programs for…

The article looks at trends in early childhood mainstreaming of children with disabilities. Specific discussions focus on implementation, the perspectives of parents, and the development of friendships and peer relations in mainstreamed settings. A convergence among public policy, educational practice, and developmental principles and research is…

This interview with Berthold Lowenfeld focuses on his educational and professional background, his contributions to the education of blind children, and the contributions of other educators in the field. Lowenfeld comments on the role of residential schools, least restrictive environment, and teacher training. (JDD)

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…