The concept of multiple intelligences is a proven reality and research has established that the application of brain based research can positively impact learning. Despite these advances it has been observed that these principles are not sufficiently applied by teachers in the formulation of their assessment exercises.

The articles in this special issue are intended to reflect how classroom teachers have used and are using psychological principles to improve their assessment strategies and students’ retention and learning.

The overall aim is to provide information on best practices as they relate to student assessment at the primary and secondary levels. The focus will be on assessment practices that take into consideration how the human brain learns.

This special issue on giftedness and creativity aims to awaken and develop awareness of the special needs of gifted children. Particularly to the Brazilian context, the articles will reflex the state of art of gifted education, report examples of practices in schools and other contexts, featuring activities in the developing a suitable curriculum for the gifted and talented, disseminate information concerning assessment procedures and identification of gifted children, and reflect on the role of creativity in this process, and the co-cognitive factors affecting giftedness as well. The overall aim is to provide information on good practices on giftedness in the Brazilian context andon current research in this topic, reflecting the major issues on the contemporary literature on giftedness worldwide.

Violence is a relational/interpersonal, institutional, social, political phenomenon. It is present in all nations and across all social classes, races, ethnicities, educational backgrounds, languages and religious affiliations. According to UN Women Reports, domestic violence constitutes the primary source of female injuries throughout the world. The impact it has in persons’ and families lives has led to the recognition of violence as a public health priority. The extension and gravity of the issue have mobilized international organizations to work together to eradicate all forms of violence, promote human rights, equality and social justice. It is a theme that deserves attention. This special issue invites researchers and Public Health Programs/Projects workers to share results, thoughts and experiences in this area.

The special issue aim to analyze the contribution of clinical psychology on the conceptual models of disability and health. Starting from an historical point of view, it will describe the different conceptual models of disability and definition of health, pathology and disability. Secondly, we aim to categorize different approaches and to describe their influences of daily intervention in clinical framework.

From the ICF framework, clinical descriptions of different health conditions and a discussion on the relationship between different approaches and their consequences on rehabilitation and quality of life of people with disability are recommended.

A discussion on the role of the psychology of disability in the health field is very recommended.

Significant and systematic changes in the world of work suggest career counselors the need to more directly and actively involve clients in order to closely understand and address their needs. According to literature, qualitative assessment can help fostering an active role for the client rather than a passive interpretation of the results provided. It also emphasizes a holistic study of the individual compared with more discrete measures of relevant constructs.

However, there is the need to provide directions and guide for an effective use of qualitative assessment in order to effectively address problems experienced and referred by clients.

The primary purpose of this issue is to bring together researchers, clinicians and counselors who focus on improving and increasing assessment procedures with several different goals:
• Differentiate among the various approaches underlying qualitative career assessment instruments
• Identify processes, themes and tensions through a qualitative analysis
• Describe criteria and rationale for selecting instruments for use in the assessment process

Scope and purposes: The scope of this Special Issue is to highlight research that is directly applicable to front line human services (i.e. Schools, Mental Healthcare, Children and Youth Services, etc.) and practitioners (i.e. Educators, Psychologists, Social Workers, Youth Workers etc.). The focus of the research highlighted will be targeted toward the implementation and evaluation of innovations and reforms designed to improve life outcomes though targeted initiatives within a variety of services related to emotional, social and cognitive well-being of children, young people and familes.