Many believe that talent is inherent--a person either has it or doesn't. But research shows that a student's environment is a critical determinant for developing talents. In "Talent Zones," Dr. Lee Hancock redefines talent so that parents, teachers, and coaches of kids can create environments rich in opportunities for all kids to boost…

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…

Discusses the connection between creativity in the arts and competitions, and shares a sampling of competitions that might entice secondary students to maximize their creative abilities. The benefits of competitions are described; they include the opportunity for students to enhance self-directed learning skills and their sense of autonomy. (CR)

This book is intended as a guide for parents, teachers, and others interested in developing creative art talent in young people. The book is based on the following assumptions: (1) being able to recognize and knowing how to identify creative individuals with special talent in art, guidance can be given to maximize the achievement of their…

The right kind of learning and environment at home and in school can often turn an "average" student into a "gifted" one. Parents can help ignite the motivating spark by encouraging the development of critical thinking skills, creativity, and leadership ability. Educational strategies parents can use are suggested. (PP)

This article questions whether current practices in gifted education are excluding groups of natural learners who don't fit our vision of giftedness or standards of high ability. It urges gifted education programs to reach out to different learners who live on the outskirts of the circle of academically gifted learners. (CR)

Examines the role of mentors in providing individual tutoring and support in the field of creative writing. The organization of mentorship programs is explained and the Creative Arts Program, a two-level Singapore program that provides mentors to secondary and junior college students, is described. (Author/CR)

This book is designed to help teachers link research and theory regarding creativity to the everyday activities of classroom teaching, providing enough theory and enough examples of applications to enable teachers to convert what they learn to their everyday grouping arrangements, lesson plans, assessment activities, and grading schemes. The book…

Key factors involved in successfully raising a gifted/talented/creative child are identified. Four factors found to be crucial for talent development include genuine interest and respect for the child, ongoing communication and involvement, conveying an attitude of persistence, and allowing freedom. (JDD)

This book reviews past developments within the field of gifted education and identifies the current trends, issues, and beliefs to be faced in the 21st century. The book is organized to provide a framework for those who are responsible for nurturing the development of gifts and talents in the home, school, and community. Specific chapters address:…

This book uses humorous cartoons and commentary on giftedness to provide parents with information on the characteristics, challenges, and joys of parenting a gifted child. Characteristics of gifted children that are highlighted include advanced intellectual ability, verbal proficiency, curiosity, creativity, high energy, focus, passion, and…

The CAG "Communicator" focuses on serving gifted students in California. This document consists of the four issues of "Communicator" issued during 1998. Featured articles include: (1) "Underachievement for Some--Dropping Out with Dignity for Others" (Sally Reis); (2) "When Gifted High School Students Fail"…

This document consists of the four issues of "Tempo," the newsletter of the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented (TAGT), published during 1999. Each issue focuses on a specific theme, including distinguished achievement programs, Hispanic issues in gifted education, creativity, and gifted children in the new millennium. Articles…