Asserts that the copying of artworks does not stunt a child's creative development; rather it can serve children, as it did many great artists, as a useful tool for the development of the technical and aesthetic skills necessary for creative expression. (SJL)

Examines the similarities and differences between the artistry of children and adult masters. Suggests that while artists have more highly developed skills, far more control of their gifts, and superior ability to experiment systematically and to choose among alternatives, much in their processes of creation is reminiscent of children. (JMF)

Feels education has neglected the visual and creative parts of the self accessible through art. Offers a rationale for having K-12 students draw for 30 minutes daily following structured visual exercises to strengthen skills in seeing, remembering, and connecting. Offers a critique of Mortimer Adler's Paideia Proposal. (DMM)

In an interview, Benjamin Bloom outlines his reasons for studying the development of immensely talented people. He feels his study can help educators understand how all students can be more successful. (MD)

A synthesis of ideas on talent development is presented, based on 10 interviews previously conducted with masters in arts and sciences. The six themes include: age at which the individual identifies with a discipline, early schooling experiences, skills and characteristics associated with great expertise, mentors, skills and characteristics…

The concept of excellence is explored in relation to various dimensions. Since the time of ancient Greece, there has been difficulty in defining "the Good," or the nature of human excellence. It is suggested that "the Good" of which excellence is an important part is a fundamental concept of the human personality, and that…

The current wave of school reform, with its emphasis on the learner, affords the opportunity to create environments that can foster excellence. The ability to support the development of excellence is threatened by commonly held beliefs that excellence depends on innate ability and that anyone who works hard enough will succeed, irrespective of the…