A new paradigm of education, talent development, may be the successor to gifted education. The talent development perspective involves extension and redefinition of the nature of giftedness or talents, identification, and programming. Emphasis is on identifying and nurturing talents in all students, rather than selecting and serving the "gifted…

Describes survey of households that uncovered cases of missing children that did not fall into the four federally defined categories of missing children. Suggests two of these categories, injured and lost children, should particularly be included in missing children's typologies. Notes that vulnerability to all four kinds of episodes was…

Before analysts can assess self-esteem as a goal for policy and practice, they must consider the ideological orientations of those who use the term and the cultural norms that shape the debate. Explicit attention to the politics surrounding self-esteem is needed to evaluate the use of the term in policy contexts. (Author/SLD)

Questionnaires completed by 47 experts in the inclusion of students with disabilities indicate they defined the term "inclusion" to include placement in natural typical settings, all students together for instruction and learning, supports and modifications within general education, belongingness and acceptance, and collaborative integrated…

An education major enrolled in a mathematics education course ponders confusing definitions of "multiplication" functions in dictionaries and in a handout on Euclid. This student teacher wants to teach elementary students what multiplication really is, not just impart an algorithmic skill. (MLH)

Considers areas of consensus from commentaries, including the value of an evolutionary perspective and the utility of exploring variations in physical activity play. Examines areas of debate, including the nonplay-play distinction, functions of rough-and-tumble play, and the opportunities of juveniles for exercise training. Calls for more directed…

This paper attempts to define the construct of "morale" empirically and examine it within a broader theory of how organizations affect individuals. It investigates the concept's construct validity by proposing and testing a multilevel structural model to measure the impact of morale on midlevel administrators' intentions to leave their positions.…

The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that public schools may be sued for failing to confront students who harass their classmates. This article explains the ruling, defines three levels of peer harassment, and outlines guidelines for school officials. Swift investigations and legally defensible policies and procedures are essential. (MLH)

This article reviews the development of gifted education in Taiwan and identifies some current problems such as negative effects of entrance examinations and unchallenging curricula. It describes the development of a pilot program using Renzulli's Enrichment Triad Model. Findings related to curriculum compacting, group training activities, and…

Discusses how defining key terms in context helps students understand and retain concepts. Considers how implementing small-group discussion dramatically changed the classroom dynamics and involved more students in the discovery process. Finds that in small peer groups, students are more inclined to ask questions and help each other clarify their…

Requests to write letters of reference for former teachers can be legally problematic. Principals should know relevant state laws; have employees sign a release from liability; provide only factual information; maintain fair personnel files; avoid telephone recommendations; disclose information on a need-to-know basis; and avoid performance…

Thirty females (ages 5-28) with autism also had many features of classic Rett syndrome (RS). The course of the disorder was more benign that in classic RS. A category of "Rett Complex" is proposed in which individuals have classic RS, but have a preserved speech variant. (Author/CR)

Examined and compared community college transfer rates using various definitions of potential transfer students. Includes discussion of how these definitions relate to student background characteristics. Findings illustrate the trade-off between restricting the pool of potential transfer students and excluding substantial portions of the original…

Changes in federal policy affecting rural development in economically distressed areas in 2001 include new markets initiatives, establishment of the (Mississippi River) Delta Regional Authority, and increased infrastructure funding. Infrastructure priorities include highway construction, airport improvements, public works grants, rural…

Based on the literature and recent research, an integrated, consistent definition of wilderness therapy is presented to differentiate it from other outdoor adventure programs and guide program design and research efforts. Trends in the outdoor industry are explored that suggest that wilderness therapy programs are searching for recognition by…