A study undertaken in preparation for reforming the Belgian educational system investigated aspects of educational policy and administration in England, France, and Germany, including curriculum design and content, broad educational aims, student placement and tracking, competition among schools, academic standards, and institutional autonomy vs.…

Springfield (Massachusetts) Technical Community College targets nontraditional students for cooperative education with strategies for ensuring successful placements (preco-op seminar, information interviews, job shadowing), linkages with the Division of General Studies, and a special freshman orientation program. (SK)

Compares the events leading to the contrasting educational policies that apply to the placement of language minority students in Britain and the United States. The supportive institutional structures of these policies are examined, and the ways these differences reflect contrasting assumptions about language development and definitions of equality…

The validity of using readiness tests for placing children in regular or 2-year kindergarten programs was studied in 9 Virginia school districts with a total enrollment of 17,662 in 1986-87. Four tests were evaluated; none were impressive predictors of performance on tests administered at the end of kindergarten. (SLD)

This article discusses arguments for and against ability grouping as reflected in the literature and research work. Such tracking problems as segregation, stigma, and elitism are discussed, as are between-class vs. within-class grouping strategies and specifically designed programs for the gifted. (PB)

Though the Constitution of India guarantees the right to be educated and to work, only a minority of visually handicapped/blind citizens attain these rights. A new education policy includes integration of blind children at every educational level, followed by vocational training and job placement. Problems, possible solutions, and progress are…

Investigates predictors of Korean student's choice of science track (n=665). It was concluded that attitude toward science track influences the intentions of the students. (PR)

Identifies the various types of costs that can result from the implementation of inclusive schooling in a school district so that the costs can be known and allowed for during the planning stage. (MLF)

In examining the continuing problem of the disproportionate number of minority students in special education, this article urges implementation of experimentally validated interventions including: (1) early detection, primary interventions, and prereferral procedures and (2) academic as well as social competence, resiliency, and self-determination…

Examines the viability of replacing the conventional placement testing in mathematics with a self-assessment strategy. Describes a study of 63 adult students who completed one of two self-assessment inventories and a mathematics placement test. Found that there is a positive relationship between information provided by students on the…

This seven-year case study describes a young woman with moderate to severe disabilities and her use of literacy during various stages of her educational career, after receiving special education in a self-contained special-education class, and after receiving services in a general-education setting. (Author/CR)

A survey of 291 parents of children with Down syndrome found that parents of younger children, children in early intervention and general education, and mothers with higher education were more satisfied with their children's current programs. Parents of children in general education were least likely to want a program change. (Author/CR)

Discusses declining enrollments in German as a foreign language programs and what can be done to offset the erosion in small undergraduate programs. Twelve ways to attract students to German, ranging from placement strategy to technology, and fifteen ways to retain them, such as offering German social events and internships, are presented.…

Analysis of data regarding future residential plans of 141 mothers of adult children with mental retardation found that greater care giving burden was associated with more extensive planning for residence within the formal service system and less planning for residence with a family member. More frequent service use predicted greater planning for…

Examines the rationale for implementing a "responsible inclusion" model for students with emotional/behavioral disorders, and discusses critical components for such a program's development. A checklist of supports is presented, along with a process chart for depicting levels of commitment toward responsible inclusion. (CR)