Legislation and policy lead to action. In the absence of law or policy, situations are addressed on a case-by-case basis or they are sometimes ignored. Legislation and policy become extremely important when they relate to groups that have traditionally been marginalized, such as students with disabilities or students with gifts and talents, and…

Definitions and identification practices are examined in light of special problems facing gifted disabled and gifted disadvantaged students. Research is reviewed on a variety of gifted subgroups, including physical disabilities, diverse cultures and ethnic groups, underachievement, and learning disabilities. Differences in definitions of gifted…

The debate between Renzulli and Jarrel and Borland concerning the nature of giftedness is addressed. Three criteria are proposed for evaluating any definition: (1) its actual reflection of how the construct is perceived; (2) its ability to generate empirical research; and (3) its practical usefulness. Multiple kinds of giftedness as well as…

This digest is derived from Susan Baum's "Being Gifted and Learning Disabled...From Definition to Practical Intervention." The learning disabled gifted are grouped into three categories: identified gifted students who have subtle learning disabilities, unidentified students whose gifts and disabilities may be masked by average…

Old stereotypes of the gifted student as well-rounded achiever, easily identified by self-confidence and history of success, must be replaced by serious efforts to arrive at a definition of giftedness that will include all gifted students, the nonachieving as well as those who are achieving. (JHZ)

The authors suggest the need for conceptual shifts in the identification and definition of gifted children. They foresee a change toward broadened assessment of cognitive and affective development. Among recommended service options are advance placement classes, early admission, curricular comprehension, work study programs, and supervised…

The article discusses the plight of the gifted child underserved by the educational system, proposes a model for expanding and clarifying the nature of creativity, highlights four common misconceptions about giftedness which have special educational implications, and offers five suggestions for improving the general quality of gifted education.…

Intended for administrators and policymakers as well as teachers, this digest explores issues related to teaching English to the gifted student. The digest begins by examining the criteria used for identifying gifted/talented students, noting that some successful programs for the gifted in English and language arts do not restrict admission…

The gifted underachiever is considered in terms of definition, placement options, myths of giftedness, and instructional approaches. The article describes the usefulness of such techniques as exploratory process activities, use of interest areas, and rule application and stresses the importance of modifying the regular curriculum. (Author/DB)

Briefly defines six gifted and talented areas, to make the point that academic talent is not the only form of giftedness. Lists some exemplary educational strategies for the psychosocially, underachieving, and culturally different gifted. (SJL)

Briefly reviews the complexities surrounding the definition of giftedness and explores the problems of identification from the point of view of the regular classroom teacher. Discusses developing a definition, the behavior problems of gifted students, and the differences between bright children and gifted students. (Author/CR)

The article distinguishes between gifted, creative, and talented and describes child development as involving five "roots," consisting of genetics, bodily nourishment, self-concept, environment, and acculturation. (DB)

These guidelines are intended to help New York State school districts: (1) develop procedures for identifying gifted students and (2) use the information obtained through identification procedures as a basis for deciding how educational programs and services can be modified to serve the students. Initial sections of the manual define giftedness…

The article offers advice to parents and teachers of gifted children on how to respond to their giftedness in such a way as to promote the child's acceptance and proper utilization of the gift. (DLS)

These suggestions for teachers of gifted students with hearing impairments address definitional dilemmas affecting this population and special screening and evaluation problems. Guidance is given concerning choosing a "gifted" definition, selecting measures for identifying giftedness, and determining the reference group. Teachers are urged to look…