The objective of this study was to develop an instrument to measure school students' competence in learning science as part of a large research project in Taiwan. The instrument consisted of 29 self-report, Likert-type items divided into 2 scales: Competence in Scientific Inquiry and Competence in Communication. The Competence in Scientific…

Discusses development of pupil grouping in European compulsory education into two opposite class organization types, mixed ability classes and ability-grouped classes. Categorizes the types along two dimensions with three program types and three grouping types, yielding nine teaching categories. Discusses comparative results of streaming and mixed…

Educational institutions should inspire "warrior mothers" to work together against androcentric agendas of homogenization and acculturation. The history of aboriginal women in Canada, whose children were abducted and raised in religious schools, is one of cultural denigration. These students' daughters and granddaughters are the warrior…

In New Zealand, single-sex public schools are held in greater esteem by the community. Because single-sex public schools are more popular than coeducational public schools, the single-sex schools in larger population areas have selective admission policies to screen the large number of applicants. This paper argues that single-sex schools end up…

The forces for the segregation of mentally handicapped children still predominate over the forces for integration in Great Britain. The desire to keep the mentally handicapped segregated comes not from educational or medical considerations but from the stratified nature of the educational system and the political agenda of the conservative…

The findings of a review of research into setting and streaming (ways of grouping pupils according to ability) in primary and secondary schools in Scotland are presented. The review was conducted according to the best evidence synthesis model, as set out by Slavin (1986). The review relied on findings of Slavin's meta-analyses, as well as adding…

This conference panel presentation includes five papers on the implications of inclusive education for gifted and talented children. "The Case for Ability Grouping of Gifted Students" (Carolyn Yewchuk) summarizes research results showing that greatest gains were found in programs that grouped high ability children together and provided a…

Argues that the thesis of discrimination against girls in coeducation schools has been replaced by a belief that, during certain phases or in specific subjects, abandonment of coeducation would promote equal opportunities. Questions whether classic or recent surveys provide empirical evidence for this moderate skeptical attitude towards…

This article argues that the literature offers inconclusive evidence to support Ontario initiatives mandating destreaming of students by ability level. Issues discussed include academic performance, segregation on the basis of academic ability, opportunity for equality of academic outcomes, drop-out rates, attitudes, and sociological constructs.…

Using a best evidence synthesis model, this book reviews research conducted in primary/elementary and secondary schools in the United States and in Great Britain on setting and streaming (ways of grouping pupils according to ability). The review concludes that research provides no evidence that student achievement at the primary/elementary school…

Presents a brief overview of the theoretical and historical developments surrounding questions about grouping students by ability. Aims to extend theoretical positions further by examining the way in which setting and mixed-ability teaching influenced the motivations, perceptions, and eventual attainment of students in two British schools. (DSK)

This collection of short articles--summaries of materials presented at an October 1981 seminar--focuses on the probable impact of tuition tax credits. An introductory article summarizes arguments for and against. The second pair of articles present highlights of a debate between Chester Finn and Albert Shanker. In addition, 15 brief articles look…