An introductory editorial essay on responding differently to student differences, the theme of this issue of "Educational Leadership." Addresses problems arising from discrimination and tracking, and cites articles that show how dissimilar students can work together. (TE)

Elizabeth Fox-Genovese argues that the defense of single-sex education for women, with its demonstrated benefits, must include its defense for men as well. Leon Podles agrees that there is a place for single-sex education but supports it as a way to give boys an initiation into masculinity. (SLD)

Used homogeneity analysis and latent class analysis to analyze sexual behavior patterns in two samples of homosexually active men. Results support the existence of a single, nonlinear, latent dimension underlying male homosexual behaviors consistent with HIV-related risk taking, providing an efficient means to scale sexual behavior patterns. (RJM)

Maintains that current research suggests that heterogeneous grouping is preferable. Reports on a study of a new mathematics curriculum using 600 students in 6 Dutch schools. Finds that students in heterogeneous classes taught with cooperative-learning techniques achieved more than students in traditional ability-grouped classrooms. (CFR)

Results of an experiment offering single-sex and mixed-sex physics classes in a private secondary school indicated that girls in single-sex classes participated more frequently; students overall experienced greater learner satisfaction; and single-sex classes had a statistically significant, positive influence on girls' interest in physics-related…

This article discusses arguments for and against ability grouping as reflected in the literature and research work. Such tracking problems as segregation, stigma, and elitism are discussed, as are between-class vs. within-class grouping strategies and specifically designed programs for the gifted. (PB)

Explains the concept of least restrictive environment (LRE) and explores the ways in which it fits and does not fit gifted education. The paper discusses LRE as it relates to special education and to gifted students, investigates whether separate education hurts gifted students, discusses gifted students and the equitable society, and looks at the…

To counter gender bias effects and improve student learning, staff at a Virginia middle school decided to group eighth-grade students by gender for math and science instruction. Girls felt freer to speak out. Grade point averages in gender-based science and math classes for both girls and boys were higher than in coeducational classes. (MLH)

This reprint of a previously published article describes a study that examined the relationship of six commonly held myths regarding ability grouping to educators' efforts to provide the best instructional programs for all students. The article is preceded by a commentary stressing the need for appropriate services. (Contains references.) (CR)

The goal of audience segmentation is to identify population subgroups that are homogeneous with respect to certain variables associated with a given outcome or behavior. When such groups are identified and understood, targeted intervention strategies can be developed to address their unique characteristics and needs. This study compares the…

The educational tracking system raises highly controversial issues. This book offers both the viewpoints of researchers who have grappled with the issue of tracking and the personal experiences of school staff who have wrestled with the issue of whether or not to track instruction. It presents summaries of interviews that were conducted with three…

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…

An effort has been made in this study to elucidate what social implications are inherent in the environmental teaching situations, and their correlation to the basic purposes and aims of each language instructional program. FLES, English as a Second Language, and Spanish for Spanish-speaking children programs are discussed. It is pointed out that…

Any theory of information processing must address both what is processed and how that processing takes place. Most studies investigating variables which alter physical dimension utilization have ignored the large individual differences in selective attention or cue utilization. A paradigm was developed using an individual focus on information…