Whereas testing is limited to the parameters of the instrument used, evaluation is a broader assessment of a situation. Wholistic evaluation amplifies the concept to include both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Student-centered evaluation acknowledges that differentiated inputs may attribute to differentiated outputs. Select sociolinguistic,…

This document, a first "theme" issue of a projected quarterly publication on developments in gifted education, focuses on theoretical principles and practical suggestions concerning student identification for gifted programs in Texas. The first article, "Developing Defensible Identification Procedures," is by Tommie Sue…

Elementary school students differ in interest, capacity, achievement, social development, socioeconomic level, and psychomotor skills. These individual differences are discussed in reference to the process of designing the elementary social studies curriculum. Part One suggests ways in which teachers can respond to students' individual…

A rethinking of the definition of excellence is called for. It is suggested that a definition of excellence must go beyond narrow issues and include attention to the nature of the teacher, the subject matter that needs to be transformed and communicated, and the diversity of learners. Upon this triad of concerns, educators are challenged not to…