Starting with the fact that school education has failed to become education for critical thinking and that one of the reasons for that could be in how education for critical thinking is conceptualised, this paper presents: (1) an analysis of the predominant approach to education for critical thinking through the implementation of special programs…

Implementing evidence-based practices (EBPs) for children with autism is challenging for teachers because these practices are often complex, requiring significant training and resources that are not available in most school settings. This brief investigation was designed to identify areas of strength and difficulty for teachers implementing one…

Resource Teachers: Learning and Behaviour (RTLB) are specialised teachers who work in regular schools to help facilitate the presence, participation and learning of students who experience difficulties with learning and behaviour. In focusing upon the RTLB principle of a "collaborative and seamless model of service" (Ministry of…

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Technical Assistance and Dissemination (TA&D) Program is the U.S. Department of Education's (ED) primary vehicle for providing technical assistance (TA) to individuals and organizations responsible for serving children with disabilities and their families. The evaluation is part…

It is encouraging that children with autism show a strong response to early intervention, yet more research is needed for understanding the variability in responsiveness to specialized programs. Treatment predictor variables from 47 teachers and children who were randomized to receive the COMPASS intervention (Ruble et al. in "The…

More than a decade has passed since the National Research Council described the common elements of effective educational programs for young children with autism. Since that time, few studies have attempted to understand the mechanisms of change and factors affecting the effectiveness of research supported interventions implemented in community…

This document is a synthesis of the key points provided in the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Early Childhood Transition FAQs: SPP/APR indicators C-8 and B-12 released on December 1, 2009. It was developed to assist states with the implementation of effective transition policies and practices. The following is included: (1) Transition…

The Governor's School of North Carolina (West) serves 400 gifted high school students each summer with a curriculum of cognitive development, conceptual development, and personal and social development. This paper describes the theory of the school, student selection, and plans for the future. (JDD)

A rationale is offered for the implementation of full-time programing for gifted students, arguing that scheduling less time does not maximize their potential. Florida programs for the gifted are noted, and suggestions are offered for school district officials who wish to implement similar full-time gifted programs. (JDD)

The background to an exciting and probably unique initiative for people with challenging behaviour is described. The Special Projects Team (SPT) was established in the context of increasing knowledge of effective treatment responses, but lack of widespread expertise as well as growing crisis within challenging behaviour services. Unlike previous…

Eleven suggestions are provided for implementation of the Schoolwide Enrichment Model to meet students' needs for enriched learning opportunities. Suggestions include respect the individual interests and styles of faculty; don't waste time trying to convince everyone; and be careful not to take credit for what others do. (JDD)

This evaluation report describes the instructional support services provided by the Gifted and Talented (G/T) Education Program of the Des Moines (Iowa) Independent Community School District. The report evaluates the program's context, input, process, and product and considers future planning. The state-mandated program provides services through…

This annual report on gifted education programs in Arkansas outlines the status of recommendations made in prior reports and urges action on new recommendations, such as acquiring additional staff positions and ensuring that enrollment in gifted programs reflects the ethnic and economic makeup of the total school population. Appendices contain:…

A rationale is presented for developing gifted education projects that are differentiated from the regular curriculum. A specific activity, called "Let's Build a Sailboat," is described to illustrate guiding principles for success in student project development. The project taught planning and management skills to junior high school gifted…

The Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Agricultural Sciences is a summer enrichment residence program for outstanding high school sophomores and juniors, designed to acquaint youth with scientific and professional opportunities and challenge them to use their intellects. This article describes the application process, faculty and staff,…