The egalitarian dogma, the belief that blacks and whites are genetically equal in cognitive ability, has been perpetuated through intimidation and pious thinking. Data on racial differences and the corruption of scholarship that causes them to be ignored are discussed. (SLD)

This article describes action-oriented teacher research in which teachers use information students reveal about the competent aspects of their lives as learners to direct their teaching efforts. The article notes methodological considerations of this approach and applications to the study of special education. (Author/DB)

Argues, on the basis of research carried out in Canada and Belgium, that not only does the formal learning of the ancestral language in school enhance the overall cognitive abilities of immigrant children but also constitutes the optimal means by which such children can gain literacy in the dominant language. (37 references) (MDM)

Achievement and ability of 135 retained elementary school students (grade 6) in Canada were compared with those of 103 matched continually promoted students. Reading comprehension, cognitive ability, and achievement test scores indicate that grade retention is ineffective in improving achievement and ability. (SLD)

Questions whether the nation's most prestigious colleges and universities are admitting large numbers of black students who are not capable of competing with their white classmates and if admission double standards are doing more harm than good. The article is followed by editorial comments addressing the author's position on mismatching. (GR)

Examines questions related to the identification of gifted children, and the special activities and accommodations that should be provided for them. Suggests that young gifted children have advanced understanding and/or performance in a variety of areas, which requires the development of a challenging curriculum and appropriate educational…

Critiques the 1990 revision of the Slosson Intelligence Test. The SIT-R is an untimed, individually administered screening instrument that assesses the mental ability of children and adults. Many of the problems with the original version have been addressed in the revised version, but with varying success. (LKS)

A survey of 124 academically gifted secondary students who participated in the 1992-93 Utah Talent Search program focused on student experiences, attitudes toward teachers, self-perceptions, and career plans. Students reported a wide range of program options in elementary school but only honors and/or advanced placement classes at the secondary…

Using 41 students (ages 6-10) with moderate mental retardation as subjects, 3 different forms of academic integration are compared: special classes using a functional curriculum, special classes using a traditional curriculum, and regular classes. After the first year, no significant intergroup differences appeared for measurements of cognitive…

Describes a study that examined preschoolers' abilities to learn problem solving with LOGO, learn new strategies to use during problem solving, and transfer computer learning to other settings. Differences in the effectiveness of LOGO learning for field-dependent versus field-independent learning styles are discussed. (65 references) (LRW)

Evaluated the factor structure, reliability, and validity of a French version of the Self-Perception Profile for Children. The profile was administered to elementary school students in Quebec, and results were correlated with teacher and peer assessments. Results supported a five-factor solution and indicated that each factor was reliably…

Questions assumptions implicit in the fifth objective of National Education Goal 5, calling for critical thinking, communication and problem-solving abilities. Outlines strategies for a national assessment/improvement program, including setting goals, preparing faculty to foster student learning, gathering evidence on outcomes, and using…

Examines forces shaping the development of a national collegiate assessment program, including increases in immigrants and elective courses. Highlights obstacles to assessing college students' critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving abilities and argues that a national program should begin in states and individual colleges rather…

Use of the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment (SOMPA) with minority disadvantaged children in an urban school district resulted in increased numbers of African-American students (grades two through five) being eligible for gifted programing. Comparison with African-American students selected by traditional means found similar levels of…

Interviews with 16 deaf high school students and 9 teachers found that teachers underestimated the extent of students' independent comprehension of 3 types of text. The text perceived to be most difficult by both teachers and students was the most interesting to students (but not teachers) and fostered use of a greater variety of metacognitive…