BITNET is a growing computer network of increasing importance to colleges and universities, research institutions, and the EDUCOM organization. The current status of BITNET, examples of its use, connections to other networks, probable growth path, and the new Network Information Center at EDUCOM are discussed. (JN)

Presents the basic considerations and major procedures employed in building a vocational special needs evaluation system in Vermont. (JOW)

Two articles discuss gifted education in China. The first describes the Shanghai Children's Palace, a facility offering instruction and activities in a variety of topic areas for gifted and talented students. The second provides an overview of the country's commitment to gifted education. (CL)

The author describes the rationale and implementation of the Peninsula Enrichment Programme for Gifted and Talented Children (PEP) in Australia. PEP is a family-based, community run organization designed to present out-of-school enrichment/extension activities for gifted children. (CL)

A survey of 2,100 American Society for Personnel Administration practitioner members was conducted to assess reactions to the objectives and benefits of the Personnel Accreditation Institute's voluntary certification program. Survey results are reported and discussed. (CT)

Describes three formats of a 15-hour training program for human service practitioners, who learned to maintain older persons at home using behavioral methods. Findings revealed significantly improved knowledge of gerontological information, practice skills, and relevant behavioral principles. All three formats produced significant outcomes. (BH)

The scheduling model presented is designed to use an Extension Center to reduce the size of teaching groups, curtail the flow of students in and out of classrooms for support services and provide on a rotating basis an observation/evaluation period for resource teachers. (Author/CL)

Eight key areas (philosophy, goals, definition of population, entry criteria and procedures, curriculum materials and methods, exit procedures and criteria, evaluation and operational procedures) are considered necessary for a well conceptualized program description. (Author/CL)

Explores the circumstances surrounding the creation of education schemes in the armies of the British Empire. Discusses attitudes toward war and toward the soldier's role in the early 1900s, attitudes of the soldiers toward war, the University of Vimy Ridge, the Canadian Khaki University, the Oatlands program, and education for the New Zealand…

The paper outlines the Parental Stress Center residential treatment program and its evaluation study, specifically focusing on the developmental status of infants in treatment. Results indicate that despite the use of multiple caregivers, the deprived infants in residential care kept pace with similar babies in other treatment modalities. Data…

The paper surveys the planning necessary for effective inservice education for early childhood special education staff. A definition is offered, followed by an outline of general assumptions and guidelines. Next, a planning approach consisting of four interrelated phases is described: support and start-up, initial planning, program design, and…

An investigation of the educational impact of integration of severely handicapped students revealed that over and above functional level, degree of integration, as measured by interaction with nonhandicapped students, was a significant predictor of educational progress, as measured by the proportion of individualized education program objectives…

Describes highlights of educational programs at Divide County High School (Crosby, North Dakota), which was one of the few rural schools cited by President Reagan in 1984 for excellence in education under the Secondary School Recognition Program. (BRR)

The study investigated the usefulness of behavior engagement (time spent in appropriate environmental interaction) as an outcome measure for discerning the efficacy of intervention efforts with preschool retarded, handicapped, at-risk, and nonhandicapped children participating in two different types of programs (traditional and nontraditional).…

The article focuses on vocational alternatives for severely disabled persons after age 21, including supported employment, supported competitive employment, and sheltered enclaves in industry. The authors also discuss the requirements for successful community living and note the importance of individualized transition plans, parent education and…