The author interviewed Dr. Carolyn Callahan, an eminent scholar in gifted education. The interview focused on Dr. Callahan's work on implementing gifted program in rural areas, and illustrated her suggestions for teachers, researchers, and parents on how to advocate for gifted students.

Examines the use of "expert systems": computer programs written to solve specialized problems from a particular field. Describes applications of expert systems and possibilities for expert system teaching tools. (CT)

An alternative inservice concept presented attempts to individualize inservice for teachers. The basic idea is one of offering a large number of possibilities for personal-professional development to the teachers. A brief description of the risk involved and the possibility of inservice growth on the part of teachers is included. (Author/TLJ)

The article reviews theoretical and research bases for the design and effects of the adaptive instructional approach for students with special needs in the regular classroom. Research indicates that the program can be implemented in a variety of school settings when supported by systematic staff development and organizational support. (Author/DB)

This article discusses some of the Government's current agendas for schools that appear to be in direct conflict with each other. For example, the positive effects of Every Child Matters, personalised learning, inclusion and collaboration are seen as complementary, but their implementation is viewed as being held back by the current regime of…

Computers serve schools in several ways. In the business office they perform functions in payroll and accounting; they are the subject matter in the computer science courses that train students in skills that the coming technological lifestyle will make necessary; they permit effective instructional management; and they provide the means for…

This paper describes the rationale and main elements of Reading Recovery, an individualized reading enhancement program which attempts to reduce the numbers of children with ongoing learning problems arising from early reading difficulties. Criticisms concerning the nature, research support, and implementation of the program are noted. More…

The paper focuses on differences between regular and special education and suggests ways in which the principles of P.L. 94-142 (the Education For All Handicapped Children Act) can be extended to the education of nonhandicapped students. Special education as mandated by P.L. 94-142 differs from regular education in six dimensions: mandate for…

Discusses the historical development of educational technology in China and describes current concerns and practices. Topics discussed include the inadequacy of the present educational system; implementing educational technology; the need for theoretical studies; the need for integration of hardware and software; distance education; individualized…

Effective curriculum is based on a mastery learning model. According to Carroll's mastery learning model, learning rate is partially a function of student "perseverance" or time on task, which is in turn determined by a learner's entering repertoire and the quality of instruction. Although the mastery-learning model looks simple, its execution is…

Examines implications of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (P.L. 94-142). Delineates areas of conflict that might arise when the law is implemented at the school district level and proposes a strategy for developing future Federal educational policy in such a way as to reduce conflict and enhance implementation. (Author/GC)

Designed as a resource for administrators and faculty considering the implementation of competency-based vocational education (CBVE), this report addresses the theory and practice of CBVE, the pros and cons of a competency-based approach to instructional organization and delivery, and concerns about CBVE's appropriateness in Hawaii. After…

This paper outlines a method of transforming traditional learning methods into a competency-based approach in a series of steps. The paper is organized in three sections. The first section defines competency-based education (CBE) and explains how this approach differs from traditional education. It also advances reasons why the competency-based…

Schools have fostered a strong tradition of separatism in services, personnel, and settings between regular and special education. This tradition of separatism cannot easily or quickly be displaced, nor can one of shared professional responsibility be easily established. This volume contains papers dealing with the problem of building such a…

This book is a compilation of responses and reactions to a position paper by Dr. Joseph Stubbins entitled "The Clinical Model in Rehabilitation and Alternatives." The text of the position paper is presented along with a brief summary of the main points he made in it pertaining to the clinical model and the systems model. Also included in the…