Provided is a statement on Alberta, Canada's policy on educational program continuity for early childhood services and elementary grades through grade six. Specifically, discussion focuses on the definition of educational program continuity, background to the policy initiative, rationale for the policy, principles of child development…

Presents ideas from the book, "Developmental Continuity: From Preschool through Primary Grades." Developmental continuity is a way of providing instruction that permits children to progress according to their rate and style of learning. Curriculum approaches, classroom organization, and ways to begin are discussed. (LB)

Sees learning as a component of development. Explains how cognitive growth can result from dialectical interactions among modes of learning and attentional mental capacity, and that these modes and components of attention relate to contextual function areas which, being neuropsychological units, can be clarified as to function by connectionist…

The conceptualizations of morphogenic processes suggested by systems theorists provide a useful framework for describing growth and development in complex adaptive self-directing organisms. These processes involve changes in (1) a system's structure, state, or functioning; (2) discontinuities in development; and (3) at least two kinds of…

Argues that what matters is not the difference between learning and development, but the dynamic relationships that form the key to understanding. Examined two models of these relationships: (1) a semantic approach, distinguishing five dimensions along which learning and development can be compared; and (2) a mathematical nonlinear growth model…

Discusses importance of symbolic value in teaching. States that students will value something if they perceive the institution values it through a serious commitment of time and resources. Supports the Personal, Social, and Moral Education (PSME) programs in English schools. Focuses on the concept of citizenship by teaching critical thinking. (NL)

Maintains that a major theme in Lev Vygotsky's later research was concept formation or conceptual development in child development. States that Vygotsky argued that the acquisition of mature academic concepts forms the crowning achievement of adolescence. Argues that the view raises a number of criticisms. (CFR)

Revisits the middle-level school movement. Provides an overview of young adolescents' development, offers representative examples of developmentally appropriate practices, and looks at progress educators have made as well challenges encountered. Emphasizes the importance of understanding physical, pychosocial, and cognitive development in young…

This booklet presents excerpts from interviews with siblings (ages 10-28) of persons with a range of handicaps, including Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, deafness, autism, seizure disorder, genetic disorders, and mental retardation. It is arranged in order from the youngest person interviewed and continues through…