This international review of initiatives in providing for students with special educational needs notes the inclusive education movement, the "Education for All" United Nations programs, the United Nations "22 Standard Rules on the Equalisation of Opportunities for Disabled Persons," some national initiatives, and empowerment…

A high school teacher relates how three of her students taught her about the inadequacies of conventional education, specifically social inequities, a narrow assessment system, and the lack of educational options. Describes programs, based on the Foxfire approach, that address these inadequacies at her high school. (LP)

Describes a program implemented at Northern Arizona University designed to attract high-risk American Indian students into the field of chemistry through summer and undergraduate research programs. Since 1980, over 45 students have participated in the program and it is expected that 70% will graduate from college. (LP)

This case study presents the legislative process as experienced by an Ontario, Canada, family in their attempts to secure relevant educational opportunities for their highly gifted young son. The appeal process and results of a provincial tribunal are documented, and personal insights of participants are reported. (Author/JDD)

Project EXCEL improves Hispanic opportunities and achievement through six community-based models: Academia del Pueblo, Project Success; Project Second Chance, Parents as Partners, Family Reading Program, and Teacher Support Network. (SK)

Discusses the problem of educational testing that results in differential educational opportunities for the disadvantaged. It critically examines the proposition that there may be ways to justify the decisions made on the basis of differential test performance that are consistent with the requirements of equality. (GLR)

Examines the first-year success of nontraditional students that entered a teacher education college through the Scottish Wider Access Programme. Access students performed better than the traditional-entry control group in some subjects but had more difficulty in professional studies, language, and mathematics. Questionnaires and interviews showed…

The population explosion among Australian older adults and the perceived benefits of education for this group are examined. A rationale for increased emphasis on development of educational opportunities is offered. Two programs of national importance, the University of the Third Age and the College for Seniors, are described. (Author/MSE)

A survey of 54 public and private postsecondary institutions in Alberta (Canada) found that 20 provided special services to hearing-impaired students in the past 5 years. Interviews with administrators at the 20 institutions examined enrollment, identification, services, and social life. Students receiving special educational assistance totaled…

Explores history and characteristics of Kenya's Harambee secondary schools, community schools that serve over half the secondary school population. Examines the government's failure to assist Harambee schools in improving educational quality. Discusses polarization of the secondary school system, educational inequalities, and social and economic…

Evaluates results from the first phase of a UNICEF-Ministry of Education (Iran) Girls' Education Project aimed at reducing gender disparity in formal education at the primary level. Reports findings about why some girls remain out of primary school or fail to complete it. Describes the next two project phases. (DSK)

A Virginia Department of Education survey of urban, suburban, and rural schools using block scheduling revealed fewer disciplinary problems, a strong teacher preference for this format over traditional scheduling, and positive effects on standardized test scores in reading and mathematics. When time is used well in schools, school climate improves…

Moving from a traditional to a balanced, year-round calendar is as much a philosophical as a schedule change. A balanced calendar, with a variety of intersession activities providing opportunities for advancement and enrichment, can help facilitate student learning and minimize time spent reviewing previously learned subject matter. (MLH)

Reports on the Community College of Baltimore County's (CCBC) increasing urban character, which requires educating students who are, on average, poorer, less prepared, increasingly minority, and increasingly first-generation. Looks at social, political, and economic factors that compose CCBC's environment and discusses the college's role, vision,…

Investigates whether access to string instruction in public schools has improved in recent years. Focuses on the relationship among access to string instruction and school district location, size, and socioeconomic level in different regions of the United States. Concludes that an increase of highly qualified string teachers will enable string…