Describes Iowa's use of the term "mental disability" rather than mental retardation and an IQ cutoff score of 85 for classification of mental disability. Revised draft guidelines for the identification of mental disability are presented that contain four criteria, including an IQ cutoff score of 75. (CR)

Examines the education/methodological aspects of DeskTop Conferencing (DTC) used in classroom learning, adult distance education, and inservice training. Describes a project involving Italian primary and secondary schools aimed at collaboratively producing a hypermedia package using DTC. Lists guidelines for organizing multimedia conferencing in…

Demonstrates the usefulness of classroom assessment in reducing the number of underprepared students. Recommends that faculty use classroom assessment techniques very early in the semester to determine students' knowledge level. Maintains that a vast dichotomy exists between teachers' assumptions regarding students' knowledge and what they…

Discusses five measures for evaluating the competence of a child care center director and ways centers can measure their success: the rate at which families return to the center; discipline not being an issue; children's positive view of the center; appropriate exhibition of affection between children and teachers; and the presence of laughter.…

Defends the practice of auditioning students for elementary chorus on the grounds of maintaining a high-quality musical program and developing interest for the program. Maintains that the audition process will create more interest in the chorus than an all-inclusive policy. (MJP)

Presents conflict resolution and mediation techniques used to resolve conflicts among rival gangs at Washington Middle School, an inner-city school in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Discusses formal mediation techniques and mediation for both male and female gang members. Focuses on preserving self-respect and dignity for gang members in all conflict…

Creative Arts in Learning, a master's degree program at Lesley College Graduate School, acknowledges the importance of teacher creativity. By feeding teachers' inner lives, the arts can transform the tone of classrooms or entire schools. Courses in storytelling, visual arts, and drama help teachers demystify the arts, learn alternative…

This article identifies the components of school programs necessary for preventing physical or emotional "bullying." The need for a systems approach that places power with the "caring majority" and encourages the assertive use of prosocial interventions is stressed, along with the importance of training all school staff and non-bullying students.…

The University of Kansas offered two masters-level deaf education courses via compressed/interactive television (ITV) to remote rural sites. In 1992 and 1993 surveys, 16 course participants expressed satisfaction with the ITV delivery mode, and participants and instructors provided comments on various aspects of course delivery. (RE)

Presents findings of a focus group study used to design a survey instrument for applications in future studies to determine factors of influence that inspire senior faculty members to participate in course delivery through online learning environments (OLE). Concludes with discussion points to encourage academic administrators to consider the…

Research shows that in small schools students have better attendance and higher test scores, participate in more activities, are less violent, and feel more connected to their schools; teachers form closer bonds with students and are more innovative; and parents are more involved. Three models are examined: small schools, schools within a school,…

Investigates job satisfaction of Chilean secondary school teachers. Determines that teachers were most satisfied with interactions with students, relationships within the school, and opportunities to contribute to the development of individuals, future generations, and society. Shows that the main dissatisfactions are poor salary, excessive…

Compares the developmental characteristics of early and middle adolescents and identifies elements necessary to a Montessori secondary program. Describes implementation at middle and high school levels in one Texas school, with elements relating to community building and student leadership; responsibility for learning and assessment; academic…

Reflects on research that showed that, as reading ability of students without disabilities increased in schools engaged in "effective schools" reforms, the reading ability of students with disabilities decreased. Concerns are raised that resources previously devoted to special education programs may serve to infuse general school…

Chicago's Recovering the Gifted Child Academy is a small, grant-maintained middle school serving 45 disadvantaged, underachieving urban students. Led by Corla Hawkings, the school has extended class hours, Saturday classes, and a business-like ambience. It features business dress, time cards, paychecks with school money, student-run businesses,…