This paper describes activities of Canada's Secretary of State (the ministry responsible for the status of disabled persons) toward ensuring equal access to fundamental elements of daily life. These include improving access to postsecondary education through establishment of Centres of Specialization; funding projects of national disability…

The Israel Arts and Sciences Academy, a three-year residential high school for students gifted in arts and sciences, is described. The article discusses the academy's beginnings, program design (based on a four-ring structure to include specialization, core studies, community involvement, and values), and the "Discovery" and…

A survey of teachers of Further Education colleges in Wales concerning introduction of a formal evaluation system in their institutions gathered information through a workshop (n=72) and questionnaire (n=60). Results indicate teachers generally did not welcome a formal appraisal system but felt any system should offer encouragement in improving…

Findings of a three-year co-worker literacy tutoring program in Canada include the following: (1) management and unions must be informed of program intent and purpose; (2) nonreaders' fear of exposure is a major barrier to participation; and (3) workplace literacy coordinators for each industry are essential. (SK)

The conception and development of a unit at the College of Saint Mark and Saint John (England) to support improvement of instructional quality are described. Issues addressed include the meaning of "quality," organizational structure, the unit's role in program and faculty evaluation, establishment of objectives, and operational…

Summarizes current knowledge about literacy, as related to learning in second language situations, and describes three approaches to instruction. A Vancouver project for Indo-Canadian women is described that implements these approaches and assesses participants' learning processes. (46 references) (Author/LB)

A survey of the 12 major low vision clinics in Australia is reported, focusing on (1) patient characteristics; and (2) planning, organization, outreach, admission procedures, personnel, and services provided. Results showed that increased services were being provided to rural regions through satellite clinics or private optometric practices.…

Establishing community-based rehabilitation projects for visually impaired populations in developing countries in the South Pacific presents challenges in communication, logistics, security, and other factors. Program development must consider differences in geography, population distribution, resources, cultural and religious values, and needs.…

The article outlines plans for a national (New Zealand) demographic and services study of older mentally handicapped adults. Results from interviews with 91 individuals are summarized and indicate a wide range of skills and life experiences. The ability of older people with intellectual disabilities to participate in service planning is discussed.…

Depicts a secondary gifted program in Beijing, China. Students in the program complete the regular eight years of elementary and secondary education (grades five through 12) in four years and then are admitted into universities. Factors contributing to the uniqueness of the program and issues affecting program development are discussed. (Author/CR)

Examines findings and practical implications of a study on homework which helped Scottish policymakers, educators and families better understand, improve and build upon home-school relations. The study prompted the creation of study support centers in schools that were staffed by librarians, teachers, and parents. (JPB)

Highlights one elementary school's experiences with foreign languages. The school joined a student exchange program with Italy, introducing Italian lessons into some classes. Spanish classes were soon added. Italian and American students communicated as pen pals and visited each other's countries. This successful foreign-language program has…

Examines development and implementation of Britain's National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) initiative, particularly the needs-assessment process, from an assessment center manager's perspective. Despite the pace, changing context, and inadequate resources, this initiative has ensured that principals will have more systematic…

Describes how institutions in Britain are working together to create a national e-University, a government-sponsored effort to bring together an assortment of distance-learning programs and courses to be sold to students all over the world. However, some officials are skeptical of its need or its prospects for success. (EV)

Evolution of an Australian program to provide professional development for university faculty involved in graduate student supervision is described. The externally-funded program began with an action research project to study the collaborative relationship between supervisors and students. When a group process was found impractical, individual…