The five chapters of this book discuss children's development and learning. Chapter 1, by Barbara Z. Presseisen, raises fundamental questions about schooling and learning. Chapter 2, by Robert J. Sternberg, presents a theory of intellectual styles and discusses its relevance for education. The theory concerns the ways in which people use their intelligence and is based on a notion of mental self-government. Chapter 3, by Kurt W. Fischer and Catharine C. Knight, discusses skill theory as a tool for analyzing the development of children who vary in capacity, motivation, and emotional state, and act in specific contexts. The theory shows how children can exhibit both stagelike developmental levels and wide variations in performance. Chapter 4, by Reuven Feuerstein, outlines the critical elements of the theory of structural cognitive modifiability and the role of Mediated Learning Experience (MLE) in producing the plasticity and flexibility of adaptation that human beings call intelligence. Particular attention is given to MLE and the condition of cultural deprivation. Chapter 5, by Barbara Z. Presseisen, analyzes each theorist's position, examines practical aspects of education, and offers answers to questions raised in the first chapter. Implications of the emerging paradigm change in education are presented. (RH)