Competence, defined as the ability to accomplish an essential performance characteristic in a satisfactory fashion, is examined from the podiatric education viewpoint. The factors involved in continuing competence, factors making continuing competence essential in health professions, and basic problems relating to clinical competence are…

For the past 25 years, environmental education has been a widely discussed, highly politicized cross-curricular area in Great Britain and the United States, with disagreements about its composition and social purpose. Explores whether either or both historical cross-national experiences can guide today's environmental educators. The…

Defines and describes phenomenography as a research methodology, and argues for its utility in examining aspects of higher education. Reviews research in higher education using the phenomenographic approach, outlines cautions in using it, and discusses alternative explanations offered in the debate over phenomenography. Previews a series of…

Conceptualizes parental involvement in schools from perspectives of 57 (upper middle-class) parents with elementary-age children. Respondents defined parental involvement, rated current school practices for involvement, and suggested methods to increase participation. Meaningful involvement is individualized to family situations and focuses…

Reviews the constitutional and political issues that are likely to be considered as the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child moves toward ratification by the U.S. Senate. A review of juvenile justice, education, religious freedom, and definitional concerns concludes that political issues are the real stumbling block. (SLD)

Service learning is an inclusive pedagogy appropriate for children, youth, and adults of all cultural backgrounds. Such programs share a commitment to lifelong learning and a philosophical base in experiential education. Planners need to choose an appropriate point of reference, identify learning goals, define activities accordingly, combine…

This article summarizes research supporting claims that offering opportunities for planning and reflection in early years promotes development of thinking and reasoning. Strategies to encourage planning include ensuring that children can see areas and materials during planning, asking children questions, encouraging children to elaborate on plans,…

Noting a high incidence of learning disabilities among students with visual impairments, this article compares definitions of the two conditions. Common assessment approaches are discussed and those inappropriate for students with low vision or blindness are identified. Suggested intervention approaches include adaptation of the environment,…

Uses explanatory case studies to examine three midwestern secondary schools' adoption of inclusion, based on Michael Fullan's views concerning the principal's pivotal role in school reform efforts. Findings support Fullan's perspectives and indicate lack of understanding about inclusion. Although the schools claimed to have implemented inclusive…

The use of the processing component for learning disabilities (LD) definitions is discussed by examining its theoretical basis, large-scale implementation, and researched classroom effectiveness. Results indicate the processing definition of LD does not differentiate students with LD from low achievers, is inconsistently implemented, and does not…

This article provides an overview of current knowledge about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) from medical, educational, social, and psychological perspectives. The article covers essential features and diagnostic criteria, frequency of overlap with other conditions, guidelines for assessment and classroom intervention, and…

A definition of mental retardation is presented to clarify perceptions of what should happen to persons with mental retardation after identification and program placement. The definition refers to the need for specific skill training and the development of independence. A rationale and six corollaries to the definition are discussed. (JDD)

The relationship between state definitions of behavior disorders and the number of children being served was examined for one year prior to implementation of Public Law 94-142 and a year following full implementation. Definitional components accounted for less than a third of the variance in prevalence rates. Influences contributing to the…

Two studies demonstrated the usefulness of single-subject research in providing a teacher with empirical support for using one method of instruction rather than another for a particular special-needs child. Drill-and-practice software helped older hearing impaired students learn to spell and define new words. (RH)

Reviews past definitions of distance education and offers a new five-part definition of the concept. Topics discussed include the roles of the teachers and students; physical separation of teachers and learners; the influence of an educational organization; communication between teachers and students; and the use of technical media. (22…