The study's primary task was to develop a definition for quality education in order to compare programs being offered in different sized rural school districts. Based upon the results, Iowa's smaller rural school districts deserve more political and educational attention and credit for offering quality educational opportunities. (Author/BR)

The author discusses the substantive and methodological contributions which several disciplines can make to naturalistic research in the field of special education and raises definitional issues. (Author)

The author reviews research on gifted and talented students and describes several programs for the gifted. He states that educators must identify and analyze problems in dealing with gifted students and design programs which meet their individual needs. (KC)

The effects of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94-142) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 in relation to public school physical education programs are considered. (PHR)

The practical problems of constructing and using culture fair intelligence tests cannot be solved without a thorough theoretical analysis of research findings on cultural differences and on structures and definitions of intelligence, especially the concepts of fluid and crystallized intelligence. Part of a theme issue on intelligence. (Author/SJL)

Observes that the improvement of reading scores is not a legitimate educational goal, notes that reading abilities are inseparable from other modes of linguistic expression, and proposes many types of activities for teaching language in a context involving increasing knowledge of the uses of language in different subjects. (GT)

Examines the historical definition and use of the term "mental retardation," and the 1992 revision of the term by the American Association on Mental Retardation that focuses on limitations in functioning rather than as a characteristic of an individual. Educational implications of the new definition are discussed. (CR)

This discussion of issues in the mentoring of African-American youth defines mentoring, identifies elements of successful mentoring, stresses the importance of recognizing existing family and community assets, and urges parental involvement and a program philosophy which affirms the value of resiliency in children surviving in difficult…

Traces the history of school finance litigation, discussing methods of measuring funding equity and methods of calculating an adequate level of funding for all schools. Although equity is usually measured in terms of variation in per-pupil revenues among districts in a single state, there are no universally accepted definitions of equity or…

This discussion of self-determination in young children with severe disabilities first offers a definition of self-determination and then looks at the early roots of self-determination from a developmental perspective. The article explores the relationship of (1) skills associated with self-determination and (2) practices, curriculum, and…

Defines creativity, recognizing both developmental continuities and discontinuities. Also distinguishes between creative interpretation and cognitive restructuring, emphasizing transformational abilities, and between perceptual and discretionary cognitive processes. (DR)

This article presents a list of the most current and commonly used computer networking terms, providing brief descriptions of each. The terms are related to hardware, software, electronic networks and services, making the connection, and locating information in cyberspace. (SM)

A glossary presents basic terminology and acronyms of information technology and some common shorthand messages used on the Internet and World Wide Web. The glossary is intended for college and university trustees who need to understand basic terms for policy discussion and formulation. (MSE)

A study of the cost of educating undergraduate medical students at the University of Virginia resulted in calculations of faculty contact hours, faculty requirements, and cost of faculty, staff, and administrative services. Overall cost of a four-year medical education was estimated at $357,000 per student. The model used is described. (Author/MSE)

Expanding the definition of "Asian" to include Amerasians of Latino, African, and Native American origins challenges the Asian American community to deconstruct race and examine the racism inherent even in Asian communities. The multiracial experience continues to expand the dynamic construction of Asian identity. (SLD)