The nature of giftedness, talent, and creativity is examined, and implications for teaching are given. Problems with using IQ as a precondition for identification are considered, especially for creative individuals. Typical obstacles to creative thinking are outlined, including classroom atmospheres that do not welcome new ideas. The importance of…

This article examines different manifestations of verbal talent and how teachers can identify and cultivate special verbal abilities in students. The provision of role models relevant to students' interests is stressed and a list of recommended biographies is included, as are literary experiences available to student writers. The relationship of…

This paper combines Gardner's multiple intelligences theory with Bloom's conception of talent to provide a foundation for the practice of fostering students' specific talents as a primary goal of gifted education. Individualized personal and skills-based growth plans are seen as a medium for career-oriented education based on students' identified…

This article provides examples of ways to implement an arts program consistent with a model of talent development for diverse groups of students. The process-oriented approach emphasizes role modeling and the necessity for teachers who can function as artists themselves. Tips for class structure, curriculum, and scheduling are also provided. (PB)

The federal government's interest in gifted education is traced from the Education Amendments of 1969, and the effects of social forces, such as Sputnik, the "Great Society" ideal, and the economic requirements for trained, qualified, and creative personnel, is examined. Increased emphasis on gifted/talented education at the state level is noted,…

The author briefly examines theories of creativity, describes problems in its identification, and cites implications for gifted education of creativity training research done over the last 20 years. (CL)

The article examines issues related to theory, methods, and validity of cognition research related to giftedness. Current approaches are reviewed, including metacognition and structural learning. (CL)

This report reviews and synthesizes the most promising practices used to identify exceptionally talented students from the Native American population. Preliminary information includes an Indian Student Bill of Rights, discussion of the problem of talent identification, and discussion of special issues including diversity within the Native American…

The paper examines difficulties in identifying and serving gifted minority students, especially Blacks. Approaches that have been tried and found unsuccessful (such as using preparatory programs to try to bring students' IQ scores to the acceptance level for program admission) are reviewed. Research is described on traits exhibited by gifted…

Issues in the education of gifted and talented students from minority language groups are discussed, including the definition of giftedness and how it affects minority language students, the reasons for underrepresentation of this group in gifted programs, commonly used techniques for identification of students in this group, and the suitability…

Discussion of counseling needs of gifted learners reviews the literature on affective and self-concept issues and discusses strategies for addressing students' psychosocial, academic counseling, and career counseling needs. Counselor, parent, and teacher roles are addressed. Tables link student characteristics to counseling approaches, counseling…

This document considers both self-examination and external evaluation of gifted and talented education programs. Principles of the self-examination process are offered, noting similarities to external evaluation models. Principles of self-evaluation efforts include the importance of maintaining a nonjudgmental orientation, soliciting views from…

Mathematically gifted middle school students need both curriculum enrichment and acceleration. Suggested teaching strategies include using a combination of methods to accommodate individual differences, encouraging Math Club activities, evaluation of students' formal reasoning abilities, and scheduling math classes that group students at similar…

The paper describes problems endemic to the evaluation of programs for gifted and talented students. The goals of gifted and talented programs are often substantially different from those covered on outcome measures available to schools. When decisions are being made about the type of programs to be provided, parallel consideration should be given…

Several trends and directions are identified for preparation of gifted and talented youth for leadership roles in a rapidly changing society: experience in predicting, planning, and extrapolating; explicit leadership training; development of thinking skills; experience in problem finding and problem solving; and study of major concepts, themes,…