Topic:
Readers report on “Providing Equitably for Student Differences” (Educational Leadership, October 1992).
Who Critiqued the Issue:
We heard from elementary teachers; high school teachers; principals; professors; directors (of public information, technology, instrumental music, and an ESL department, for instance); coordinators (for gifted and special education, in particular); educational consultants; assistants to superintendents; and a number of “just plain readers.” Readers reported from 30 states and Canada.
What You Liked Best:
More than a half of you most liked the articles on untracking; the next favorite section was on gifted education, with the articles on special education a close third. (Those who found the topic of gifted education most intriguing often did not find the special education section appealing and vice versa.) About 5 percent of respondents most enjoyed the articles on multiple intelligences. Another 5 percent liked all the topics equally. Articles most often singled out as a favorite were: “What to Say to Advocates for the Gifted” and “The Case for Untracking.”
A Sample of Comments:
“I would have liked to have read about practical ways to meet the needs of students of different ability levels in a heterogeneous classroom.”
“I appreciate that you publish not only research but articles from those who are practicing what research is preaching. For us 'change evangelists,' it's essential to read about real-life demonstrations.”
“Interestingly, your issue on 'Untracking for Equity' came in the same mail as my Gifted/Talented newsletter dealing with 'Coercive Egalitarianism' or Untracking Kids!
“Disliked 'Gifted Children Talk About Cooperative Learning.' I fail to understand the gift of intelligence without the gift of compassion.”
“Finally someone speaks out in favor of gifted students' reasons for hating cooperative learning activities!”
“Why not an article on 'Special Education Children Talk About Cooperative Learning'?”
“Usually I find an article or two that is less interesting to me, but not this time. Perhaps that I favor untracking may have influenced me.”
“Some articles not new to me. Too dry. Not applicable to the decisions I make.”
“Because so many educational ideas overlap, I have found that sometimes the article that at first glance doesn't apply to my area of concern is the article that helps me most.”
“Too jargony. Too many articles from college profs!”
“The absence of mind-boggling charts and graphs was MOST welcome.”
“'Putting All Kids on the MAP' was too sappy. Likening handicapped students to inmates in concentration camps was a bit much. I think we've all made tremendous strides in making inclusion work for everyone.”
“I enjoyed 'Putting all Kids on the MAP.' New concept to me.”
“This edition was excellent. No poor articles.”
“I liked the variety of 'windows' through which I could view gifted strategies. Productive reading. Thanks.”
Thanks, Readers, for “the variety of windows” on Educational Leadership. We appreciate your comments!
