Outlines the functions of museums and explains how these functions can relate to teaching history. Points out the value in taking students to museums, noting that visits may be enhanced through teacher pre-planning. Gives advice on how to counsel students who wish to pursue careers in historical agencies and museums. (GEA)

This commentary on EC 605 995 argues that rendering services to students with disabilities in general education does not preclude future problems; general education is not equipped to deal with great student diversity; and training needs should be addressed through special education, community-based education, employment preparation, transition…

This paper reviews the historical development of special education for gifted students in Taiwan; provides an overview of three chronological stages in the development of programming; describes educational opportunities and problems; and proposes recommendations for program development. (JDD)

This article reviews articles within this special issue on science education for students with disabilities, examining the articles in the context of current activities and resources in science education. Constructivism and alternative assessment techniques are seen as especially noteworthy movements in improving science teaching and learning.…

Medical school faculty members' broad understanding of their domains has atrophied as specialization has increased. Medical students need teachers who can integrate the specific areas of a subject with overarching themes. Expanding the values of the university to once again include the scholarship of integration and teaching would provide the best…

Describes the notion of second chances and its application to education. Presents a framework for evaluating second-chance programs based on accessibility and selection, adjustability of applicants, adjusted educational methods, productivity, accreditation, and acknowledgement. Examines possible illusions and rituals preventing a genuine second…

Examines multichannel learning, using learning channels such as teachers, to connect learners to knowledge, skills, and information found in the immediate learning environment and the community or delivered from a distance. Also discusses international use of multichannel learning as educational development in the Philippines and Haiti. (JMV)

Presents steps taken in designing, justifying, and implementing an experimental study designed to investigate the effectiveness of distance education as a methodology for developing thinking skills. A discussion reviews major findings of the study by comparing student experiences from multimedia distance education and student experiences from…

Explores pluralism and the expanding community through a brief examination of the community-mural movement in the United States. It looks at the recent history of mural painting and discusses examples of community murals that deal cogently with multicultural themes. The implications to educational practice are also discussed. (GLR)

Outlines what the Landcare movement in Australia is and what its methods of communication are as they relate to education. Landcare is largely an agricultural-production oriented organization but with a charter for the care of wildlife on private property and a charter for education of the public. (LZ)

This keynote address argues that some efforts of early educational programs have, themselves, led to new risks for children. Issues discussed include the confusion between culture and development, services to poor children and families, and segregating young children with special needs. (JDD)

This response to Gersten and Dimino (EC 606 357) claims a lack of clarity in their understanding of whole-language instruction and confusion of the approach with its implementation. The response stresses the need to empower special education teachers so that they are able to make decisions about teaching and not merely follow directions in…

Literature concerning "idiots savants" is reviewed, and various theories and possible explanations are discussed, as are common areas of expertise and cognitive traits. Several case studies are used to illustrate the possible relationship between autism and idiots savants. Educational implications of these findings are considered.…

High school learning disabilities teachers (n=325) and special education supervisors (n=145) were surveyed concerning secondary learning disabilities programs. Although program emphases have not changed over the past decade, educators' priorities changed, calling for less content area instruction, more career/vocational and learning strategies…

A Javits Grant Project of the Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools uncovers the strengths and gifts of traditionally underserved primary-level gifted children. The program design celebrates the multiple intelligences of children with economic disadvantage, limited English ability, or learning disabilities. (JDD)