Acquiring proficiency in the various English language skills and the ability to utilize those skills as a medium of learning is a daunting task. Research suggests that children who do not speak English as their first language (L1) need five to seven years in school before they can perform as well in English as their English peers who are native…

Just as in 1982, when the myth of waiting for Santa Claus was first addressed in "Gifted Child Quarterly," many districts all over the country are still waiting for Santa Claus to arrive with a sleigh full of presents. Unfortunately, Santa and his presents in the form of mandates to identify and serve, funding, teachers licensed in…

Despite variable interpretations of the meaning and nature of specific effective practice methods and research-supported strategies, such approaches are generally considered essential for children and youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Indeed, there is general consensus that only by qualified professionals using effective methods in an…

Points out that educational activities often fail simply because the recipients have not been involved in describing their real needs and because educational planners assume that they know what is best for their audience. Suggests that problem-solving methods could be useful in the educational planning process. (Author/JOW)

Summarizes the findings of a symposium on identifying and developing programs for gifted minority children. The school is the major agency for preparing the gifted minority for productive citizenship, and the key element is the teacher's ability to recognize and support the student's potential. (KH)

Discusses two questions: (1) Are we in the technology business, where we spend exorbitant time and energy debating which content and what method? and (2) Should we be in the business of serving all youth in a special way so they can grow, develop, and function successfully in a rapidly advancing technological world? (CT)

States the reasons the Office of Teacher Education at the Irvine campus of the University of California decided to offer alternatives to traditional teacher education programs, gives a number of items to consider in creating such alternatives, and sets forth selection and evaluation criteria that can help ensure a quality alternative program. (FL)

Good will and dedication, conviction and faith, can achieve far more in second language courses than mere financial resources and material supplies. A good teacher, who is able to stimulate a class, can perform miracles. (Author)

Careful observation of African-American male students and the information they provide about Black male culture can provide student-affairs administrators with new theories and valuable information about how to better serve them. Provides a summary of the journal issue, including four annotated references. (EMK)

Argues that participation in high school forensic activities can change students' lives. Maintains that the activity teaches lessons about language and communication that go beyond what can be learned in the classroom. Explains the benefits of forensics to teachers and how interested teachers can prepare themselves to become involved. (TB)

In a partnership model, all members of a higher education institution work together to anticipate and meet students' changing needs, favoring team goals and course improvement. The model should replace traditional mechanistic models emphasizing form over function and regulation over innovation. (SK)

Notes the rising number of latchkey children and describes several after-school programs designed to meet their special needs. (FL)

Student affairs professionals at smaller institutions are encouraged to research their commuter students' characteristics and needs and to create or enhance services and programs to improve the college experience for commuters based on their findings. (KS)

The author suggests new ways to meet the needs of adult students: develop greater sensitivity to the adult learner's needs; adopt a "total program approach" to adult vocational education; develop creative delivery systems; build alliances with other providers of adult education; and give more attention to adult instructor selection, orientation,…

Commuter students are often left out of college programs because their needs and schedules differ substantially from the traditional student for whom the programs are planned. Once the basic educational needs of the commuter student are being met, planners can focus on developing programs geared to other needs of the commuter such as personal…