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There has been abundant research examining how early life experiences affect achievement. In this article, we investigate the transition from elementary to junior high school at a developmental stage where numerous changes have an impact on students. Using nationally representative survey data, we found no differences in academic achievement between students who transitioned to grade seven from an elementary school in comparison to those who remained in the same school. We did find a significant decline in mathematics achievement between grade five and grade seven for children, regardless of their transition status. We present a developmental, rather than environmental, explanation. (Contains 3 tables.)

This paper focuses on promoting fairness and equity in student assessment practices. The researchers used questionnaires and interviews and the study encompassed a total of 3312 individuals representing a range of stakeholders. The paper is presented in two parts: fairness and discrimination, and challenging policy and practice. Five key principles emerged. Educators must strive to address the personal impact of assessment practices on individual students and their families. Assessment must be differentiated to accommodate the ability, social, cultural and linguistic background of students. All members of school communities must challenge the complacency associated with accepting indefensible assessment practices. The frequency, intensity and intrusiveness of assessments must not be overwhelming for students and their families. Finally, assessment must not be used to counter inappropriate student behaviour or reward desired behaviour. Implications for practice are presented. Additionally, the authors describe changes to policy and practice that occurred as a result of the study.

This paper provides a description of the demographic characteristics as well as the social and academic experiences of a nationally representative sample of Canadian students receiving special education services for an Emotional/Behavioural Difficulty (EBD) and a comparison group of students without disabilities (ND). Data summarized in this article were drawn from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth. Results reveal numerous areas of difference between groups from student, parent, and teacher perspectives. In particular, the EBD group contained a significantly greater proportion of boys and students from low income families. Students in the EBD group reported having difficulty making friends and not liking school as much as their ND peers. Academic expectations reported by teachers and parents for children with EBD were significantly lower than for children without disabilities. Discussions of these findings as well as implications for practice and for future research are presented. (Contains 5 tables.)

The objective of this research was to investigate adolescent gender and age differences in perceptions of academic achievement, interests, values and future life role choices. A survey based on the Eccles Model of Achievement Related Choices was administered to 1419 students. Results indicated that younger students were generally more positive about school and future adult life roles than older students. Major gender differences were found favoring females in English/language arts, and males in science. Gender typical preferences were found for future career aspirations with males selecting science and information technology related careers, and girls selecting artistic and health professions as top choices. The findings are congruent with Eccles Model and support the notion that gender and age influence adolescent student choices.

This article describes legislative and policy provisions that support educational services for children with disabilities in Alberta. It presents an overview of present policy and examines how it translates into inclusive practices. Three collaborative initiatives are highlighted: collaboration with the Ministry for Children's Services, inter-ministerial collaboration, and Western Canadian Protocol. (Contains references.) (CR)

A study of 58 gifted students in grades 4, 7, and 10 found that scores on an intelligence test were higher than course grades, that attitudes toward school declined at the junior high level, and that achievement declined as students progressed from grade 4 to grades 7 and 10. (Author/CR)

This article summarizes Renzulli's Revolving Door Identification Model, an approach to the identification of gifted and talented students. It then investigates reasons for its popularity, addresses criticisms leveled against the model, and assesses its validity and utility for identifying and serving gifted students. (Author/JDD)

This model assessment procedure for gifted/learning-disabled students utilizes the concepts of the tetrahedral learning model and self-regulation versus other-regulation. Stage one focuses on the compilation of a summary profile of learner strengths and weaknesses; stage two deals with the learner in context, using a structured interview format. (Author/JDD)

This special issue provides a selective overview of topics associated with a pre-dominant trend in Canadian and U.S. schools: moving from a dual system of education in which special education and regular education services are carried out separately, to an effective unified system of service delivery for all students (Stainback, Stainback, & Bunch, 1989). Even though much of the impetus for change has come from proponents in special education (Lipsky & Gartner, 1989; Porter & Richler, 1991; Villa, Thousand, Stainback, & Stainback, 1992), there is increasing evidence that general education reform and school improvement agendas are beginning to take hold (Barth, 1991; Smith & Scott, 1990). The challenge of creating school environments that promote excellence and equity is daunting but not impossible, and some of the preliminary efforts in this area are very promising. The focus of this special issue is on some of the significant work that is being carried out across the country to support this change. Although the range of topics is diverse, all papers are concerned with the complex problems associated with providing every student (particularly students with exceptional learning needs) an appropriate education that enables each to reach maximal potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a description of the demographic characteristics as well as the social and academic experiences of a nationally representative sample of Canadian students receiving special education services for a learning disability (LD) and a comparison group without disabilities (NLD). Data summarized in this article were drawn from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY), which contains information provided by teachers, parents, and students. Results indicate that the demographic characteristics of the LD group are similar to the NLD group. As well, no significant differences were found between the self-reports of children in the LD and NLD groups regarding school and social experiences. However, differences exist in teachers 'perceptions of students' educational potential, social skills, and motivation. The findings inform school efforts focused on reducing the drop-out rate of students with LD. Other implications for practice as well as for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summarizes the so-called Renzulli's Revolving Door Identification Model (RDIM) that has been used in the identification of gifted and talented students. Strengths attributed to the traid/RDIM system; Critical concerns; Differentiated curriculum for the gifted; Analysis of the model.