I describe how a policy aimed at increasing achievement among students labeled EL initially went awry--and how a researcher-district partnership persevered to rectify it. The policy, which called for 100% EL classrooms, produced unintended consequences. Critical discussion of empirical evidence and district-solicited input from multiple…

Manipulatives offer students with disabilities access and support in classrooms. However, it is important for educators to be aware that concrete manipulatives are not the only option. Teachers serving students identified with a disability in the middle grades may consider selecting virtual manipulatives as supplement, complement, or in lieu of…

The law currently binding in Poland favors students with disabilities and SEN. The parents have a right to choose between many forms of education and facilities which, in their opinion and according to the suggestions of a psychological and educational support centre, will give their child the best opportunities of development. The Ministry of…

The changing of the political and economic systems in Poland ushered in changes in the education system, including special education. After many years of segregation and social exclusion of children with disabilities, ideas of autonomy, normalization, and integration initiated the building of a modern system of education of children and youth.…

Considering the benefits that accrue in countries having low levels of social inequality and the harm that accompanies wide disparities in income, it is important to examine any practices or traditions that contribute to inequality. Under some circumstances, gifted education does confer advantages that are not available to all students,…

Amid all the national attention on Arizona these past few months, largely due to Senate Bill 1070 empowering police to take "reasonable" steps to verify the immigration status of criminal suspects, the state's K12 district administrators have been wrestling with a unique segregation issue, as well. Over the past two years, all districts…

Schools in the United States and schools across majority of countries around the world today face two critical issues: "Inclusion of students with disabilities in general education classrooms" and a contributing factor to success of this inclusion, teachers prepared to use best practices. "Best practices" in education are approaches to teaching,…

Students identified with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD) present a special case within special educational needs (SEN) and inclusion. EBD is perhaps the only category of SEN that exposes a child to increased risk of exclusion as a function of the very SEN identified as requiring special provision in the first instance. Students…

Guy M. Whipple, a psychologist, best known for his work in mental testing, was the author of 1910 seminal two-volume "Manual of Mental and Physical Tests," which stood as the exclusive reference of psychological testers for nearly 20 years. Whipple was known for having described democratic education as the "equity of opportunity," and he asserted…

The author describes the formation of a self-contained interage class for gifted children in grades one to three. The curriculum was project- and interest-based, and an effort was made to involve other teachers and students, thus avoiding the charge of elitism. (CL)

The Potentially Able Learner's Program in Rockford, Illinois, is a centralized gifted program for students (K-6). The program features self-contained grade-level groupings and emphasis on parent involvement. Evaluation is gathered through achievement testing, parent questionnaires, and student self-report. (CL)

This brief report describes recent data on the enrolment of students in New South Wales (NSW) government special schools and special classes. There has been an increase in both special school and special class enrolments since 1998 with large increases among students with emotional disturbance. This pattern is briefly discussed in relation to…

A seminar gifted arts program for secondary students in Boulder, Colorado, is described. Program development, implementation (in 1987), eligibility, course content and requirements, evaluation, and dissemination information are provided. (DB)

This brief report describes the development and implementation of a unique, full-year, credit-bearing, technology course in literary Braille transcription offered at a Long Island (New York) high school. It describes the program's goals, development, implementation, students, ongoing activities, outreach efforts, and student attitudes. Suggestions…

Elementary and secondary education services available to learning disabled students in the Vancouver school system are described, including teaching and evaluation centers and an extended skills development center. (CL)