Education of the gifted in Israel is described, focusing on its historical background, aims, definitions, pupil identification, programs, curriculum, and teachers. Programs consist of special classes, morning and afternoon enrichment groups, and two associations: The Institute for the Promotion of Arts and Science, and Programs for the Promotion…

Programs for learning-disabled students generally emphasize basic skills acquisition, are highly individualized, use diagnostic-prescriptive methods, and are based on mastery learning principles. A more holistic approach is advocated and would include the content areas, systematic group interaction and instruction, experiential learning…

The article criticizes current special education practices, noting that the concept of individual differences has led ultimately to the practice of labeling children with special needs. The "medical model" has put children in special classes, where they tend to perpetuate and reinforce both the labels and behaviors implied by those labels.…

Many children with spina bifida present organic characteristics such as muscle weakness below the spinal lesion. These medical aspects are discussed with respect to their influence on teaching self-care and motor skills and reducing self-injurious behavior. Recommendations for educational programming are made. (Author/JDD)

Biography profiles the life and major philosophical and educational contributions of early twentieth-century educator, William Heard Kilpartick. One of his most significant contributions was the development and installation of the project method as an integral part of the elementary student experience. (Author/RWB)

Describes the Italian educational system from preschool to high school, along with the events leading up to the implementation of government-mandated total integration of handicapped children into the compulsory school system. Also describes details of this integration in three Verona area schools and discusses problems remaining to be solved.…

The role of theory-based research in early childhood special education is examined, including the relevance of such research at different phases of teachers' careers. It is recommended that professional education provide teachers with skills to construct personalized theories of effective educational practices and to evaluate their theories.…

The concept "in loco parentis" is discussed in relation to its historical place in education and its current status. The doctrine has expanded from its original idea of "restraint and correction" to figure significantly in court cases involving corporal punishment, student searches, school rules, correlative duties, and…

The research review of practices for limiting or avoiding referrals of students for special education services identified promising practices, including curricular and ecological adaptations that strengthen the mainstream, teacher development and administrative strategies, and early intervention strategies. Research, training, and policy…

How Philadelphia's Settlement Music School provides music education for the handicapped is described. The origins of the school, current educational practices, and future plans are discussed. One particular achievement of the school was the development of a guide that defines the physical requirements needed to play a particular musical…

A national opinion survey of social studies teachers revealed that the overwhelming majority of teachers (1) had regularly used inquiry as a teaching strategy; (2) believe inquiry is currently less emphasized than it was in the 1960s and 1970s; and (3) perceive the back-to-basics movement as contributing significantly to the deemphasis of inquiry.…

Special education in Great Britain is expanding, as part of a restructuring of the education-training system to deal with many young people who are unable or unwilling to participate in normal education. The whole concept of special needs has become part of a rhetoric that serves little educational purpose. (Author/RM)

How financial restrictions and conservative policies have affected the quality and the functioning of higher education in England and West Germany is analyzed. Also discussed is how in both countries the institutional dependency on the state has increased or is being enlarged through changes in the politics of higher education. (Author/RM)

Discusses education reforms currently taking place, including changed education practices and new methods of assessing teacher competence; describes the occupation of teaching as it currently exists--low pay, low status, poor conditions, and unprofessional treatment; and suggests educational reform momentum depends upon an informed, knowledgeable,…

This study identified pedagogical principles of African traditional education and then tested for their use today in schools located in rural villages of the Ivory Coast. Results showed that the 10 major principles identified are employed today in teaching and learning in that country. (RM)