The multidimensional issue of the representation of diverse students in special education has been a persistent and challenging concern for decades. Overwhelmingly, research outlining racial and ethnic disproportionality data have historically demonstrated stability in the overrepresentation of students of color in special education. However, the…

A program for gifted students at the intermediate level is described that allows students to "mainstream" while participating in accelerated experiences. (MD)

Summarizes current research on ability grouping of academically gifted students. Findings show that advanced students benefit more academically than low-ability students from homogeneous grouping; homogeneous groups are more academically and socially beneficial for all abilities than heterogeneous grouping; continuous progress makes an academic…

All students have strengths that should be identified and fostered. Some children are outstanding and would be stultified by the standard curriculum. Gifted kids are precocious, march to different drummers, and are obsessively interested in certain subjects. They can be introverted, fiercely independent, and emotionally vulnerable. Advanced…

Argues that current grading practices in some schools lack consistency in several critical areas, including criteria for failure, absolute or relative standards, and motivation of slower students. Policies are suggested that will help educators develop fairer and more humane marking systems. (TE)

To counter gender bias effects and improve student learning, staff at a Virginia middle school decided to group eighth-grade students by gender for math and science instruction. Girls felt freer to speak out. Grade point averages in gender-based science and math classes for both girls and boys were higher than in coeducational classes. (MLH)