Beginning in the 1960s, the Isle of Wight studies were among the first to investigate developmental reading problems in representative, population-based samples, using the tools of epidemiology. In this paper, we provide an overview of the contribution of the Isle of Wight studies to research on reading disabilities. We begin with an account of…

Being on the borderline as a student in higher education is not always negative, to do with marginalisation, exclusion and having a voice that is vulnerable. Paradoxically, being on the edge also has positive connections with integration, inclusion and having a voice that is strong. Alternative understandings of the concept of borderline space can…

Tribal colleges play a powerful role in the personal development as well as the academic development of American Indian students. By providing access, exposure to native culture, personal support, preparation for further education, and a sense of empowerment, tribal colleges are influential in advancing self-awareness, interpersonal sensitivity,…

This article describes experiences of 40 children (ages 3-15) with Asperger syndrome. It finds both variability and consistency in the characteristics of this disorder over time and during specific developmental stages. Results indicate that social skills deficits were variable but remained the greatest challenge for these intellectually bright…

Self-concept development is basic to health education. Health educators should give students the "tools" to develop their own self-concept as a lifelong skill, rather than as a transitory interest. Several methods and activities exist that can improve human interaction, decision making, and personal growth. (FG)

Explores factors within the developing individual and external to the school which make early adolescents (10-14 years old) complex, diverse, and unpredictable. Focuses on developmental characteristics (physical maturation, cognitive growth, social development, behavioral expression), and the role of schools in facilitating positive growth in…

Discusses a developmental model for supervising internships for undergraduate students in psychology programs. Provides some context on the nature of both the undergraduate students being supervised and the supervision itself. Evaluates the effectiveness of this model of supervision stating that the interns are generally satisfied with the…

Considers the importance of shaping the kinds of personal qualities that will serve as the motivating force in all a student's learning activities and also will determine the future fate of the student's overall knowledge. Explores the link between the purposeful shaping of abilities and the shaping of the student's personal qualities. (CMK)

A proposal is offered that a course in leadership training be established in the secondary school curriculum. A paradigm is presented for curriculum decision making based on the questions of what shall be taught and how, what are the characteristics of a leader, and what are the attitudes and needs of followers. The proposed course is divided into…

Describes the experience of an author who initiated a prison education program to foster self-worth and personal pride through learning. Explains the teaching program, security and classroom instruction, and inmate-student characteristics. (RT)

This collection of essays deals with teaching secondary school students who are academically gifted. These students have an unusual capacity to accomplish something; they have aptitude in some special areas. They have artistic or physical skills, or they are talented verbally, linguistically, or mathematically. The essays have a broad application,…

A group supervision component is an integral part of the Wheelock College Graduate Program for teacher interns who work with special needs children. The group meetings evolved in response to four observed developments: (1) Common issues characterized the role of the intern regardless of school placement; (2) Interns had common learning needs; (3)…

Four case studies are presented illustrating how kindergarten curricula can enhance early literacy development. Curriculum components described include student choice, activities appropriate for multiple developmental levels, large blocks of work time, shared voice, theme-based learning, access to materials, respect for autonomy, and minimal large…

Faculty development is considered in relation to student needs through instructional development, faculty needs through personal and professional development, and the needs of the institution through a focus on organizational development. Faculty development strategies implemented at California State University, Long Beach, have addressed the need…

Life Lab, an alternative educational program stressing self-directed learning at Miami-Dade Community College, is discussed in terms of its development, impact, and student attributes. More than half of the document presents personal histories and opinions of students and staff, alternating with the views of Dr. MacGregor Smith, program founder.…