The author examines concerns about whether or not, and by what criteria, handicapped students should be included in or excluded from comprehensive competency testing programs, as well as the implications of minimum competency testing for the handicapped. Pertinent legislation from several states is discussed. (Author/SJL)

This listing provides directory information on U.S. postsecondary schools specifically for people who are deaf and other postsecondary programs with supportive services for students with deafness. Schools and programs are listed by state and information is provided on the number of students with deafness enrolled, degrees offered, and special…

This listing provides directory information on U.S. teacher training programs designed to prepare teachers for teaching students with hearing impairments. Schools are listed by state and information is provided on the degrees offered and the number of 2003 graduates and all graduates. (Author/CR)

Eight examples of "pull-in" reading instruction are described, including side-by-side reading programs; mixed pull-in and pull-out instruction; and team teaching using basal materials, literature, and cooperative learning. The paper also describes the process of selecting classrooms for pull-in instruction, strategies for encouraging…

A decision of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court set a binding precedent which classifies gifted and talented students as exceptional children and requires that resources already in place within school districts be made available to develop individualized education programs for gifted students. (JDD)

Five articles discuss current publications and reports concerning youth. Topics include: (1) services that states must provide to fulfill requirements of the federal independent living program; (2) progress of handicapped children in schools; (3) ways in which southern states have faced their problems; (4) girls' substance abuse; and (5) youth and…

A survey of parents (n=844) of school-age children and parents (n=297) of gifted/talented children found strong public support for programs addressing special needs of gifted/talented students, especially if those programs do not reduce services to average or slow learners. (JDD)

Reviews steps taken by the Queens Borough Public Library's (Jamaica, New York) special services program in locating, negotiating, and contracting the services of a trainer for a five-week project aimed at educating library staff on serving patrons with sensory disabilities. Also reviews training methods implemented as well as project challenges…

This article discusses various kinds of curriculum provision for gifted students, including pull-out extension and enrichment programs, special schools and special classes, and special programs integrated within classes. The use of the terms "enrichment" and "extension" is also examined. (Author/JDD)

Arguments against the elimination of special programs for gifted students are presented. Acceleration is seen as a well-supported programing option for gifted students in a time of increasing elimination of gifted programs and increasing use of heterogeneous grouping. (DB)

This article explores the use of the categorical label of learning disabled for determining eligibility for preschool special education programs. Specific concerns include definitional issues, the dangers of labeling and low expectation sets, failure to demonstrate movement through a continuum of services, and the efficacy of early intervention.…

Interviews were conducted with six individuals involved in the arts or in gifted/talented education. Interviewees responded to questions relating to their own educational backgrounds, their involvement with gifted/talented education, and their views of the future of the field. (Author/JDD)

The Kentucky Governor's Scholars Program for gifted rising high school seniors is a five-week intensive living-learning experience that promotes flexible daily class schedules, active learning, student confidence, creative expression, intellectual discovery, and social responsibility. The program attempts to break down barriers between students…

For a two-year period, 32 secondary students gifted in the areas of mathematics and science participated in a curriculum which incorporated higher-level thinking skills and more real-life laboratory experiences into mutually reinforcing mathematics and science lessons. After the program, participants scored higher on mathematics and science…

Highlights dynamic assessment, an approach to assessing cognitive ability in which students are instructed on how to perform on certain tasks and measured on their progress in learning to solve similar problems. It describes how dynamic assessment can be used for identifying disadvantaged students for specialized enrichment programs. (CR)