Just as in 1982, when the myth of waiting for Santa Claus was first addressed in "Gifted Child Quarterly," many districts all over the country are still waiting for Santa Claus to arrive with a sleigh full of presents. Unfortunately, Santa and his presents in the form of mandates to identify and serve, funding, teachers licensed in…

Summarizes the findings of a symposium on identifying and developing programs for gifted minority children. The school is the major agency for preparing the gifted minority for productive citizenship, and the key element is the teacher's ability to recognize and support the student's potential. (KH)

The evolution of several interrelated myths reflects a combination of misinterpretation of statistics, the commendable intention of ensuring that bias and prejudice do not play roles in the provision of services to underrepresented populations of gifted students, and misapplication of programming options for gifted students. Separately, these…

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…

Several areas of concern are noted in the emerging national movement toward programs for mathematically gifted students. Four areas of current needs that could be better addressed which would greatly expedite current efforts are noted. (MP)

This monograph addresses issues and problems related to identification of and programming for gifted/talented children of preschool, kindergarten, and primary age. Barriers to early identification and programming are identified. A rationale for early identification and programming is presented, followed by administrative options including…

Characteristics of gifted programs that stick out like a "sore thumb" include vulnerability to charges of elitism, the notion that gifted students are better students, a lack of teacher support, and a high degree of rigidity. (CL)

To serve all gifted students, we must broaden identification methods, develop more and varied types of programs, and provide comprehensive teacher training. (Author/TE)

Examines four categories of variables influencing the effectiveness of parent education programs for parents of gifted children: (1) content relevancy; (2) teaching techniques; (3) teacher characteristics; and (4) practical considerations. Makes specific suggestions to improve program effectiveness. Maintains that program planning should address…

Planning is of prime importance in providing programs for gifted and talented students. Districts should emphasize an awareness campaign on the premises and needs of gifted education. An individual should then be appointed and trained as the district specialist in gifted and talented education. (CL)

The author satirizes the status of teacher education in gifted education, cites the conceptual weakness of arguments justifying support for gifted programs, and considers the need to train teachers to provide enriched programs for all students and to focus on the academic content areas. (CL)

Suggests initial considerations in developing programs for gifted and talented students: identification, program format, community involvement, and curriculum. (SJL)

Last year Marian Leibowitz presented workshops in 27 states on improving instruction for gifted and talented students. In this interview she gives an overview of what she has seen in programs around the country. (Author/MLF)

This speech by an educator and parent of gifted children addresses the problem of appropriate educational services for gifted children, concluding that advocacy for these children entails pushing for acceleration, an often neglected but effective option. The paper begins with anecdotes which illustrate the unmet needs of gifted children and which…

Development of programs for the gifted requires planning (at the school and classroom levels) based on a conception of gifted education and consideration of goals, content, differentiation strategies, and organizational form. Program operation involves subprocesses of program adoption, program delivery, and program institutionalization. (DB)