This descriptive study investigated the challenges related to implementing gifted education services in preschool centers. Participants completed a researcher-created survey to examine the perceived challenges of providing preschool gifted education services. Ninety-five percent of the centers had no formal policies or practices, and eighty-six…

The guidebook describes procedures for developing a secondary school mentorship program for career education of gifted students. Sample forms and records from a prototype designed by a graduate gifted education class are presented. An initial section presents answers to eight questions about the program that touch upon such aspects as program…

Despite years of research and endless theorizing, little is known of what leadership really is. A distinction is made between leadership and the related constructs of creativity, management and group dynamics. A useful definition of leadership is provided, and a four-stage program for actually providing for the emergence of leadership is…

This conference presentation begins with an outline of the assumptions involved in a theoretical model for the teaching of creatively gifted young children. The assumptions include: (1) creativity is continuous, not dichotomous; (2) creativity is a dynamic, interactive, and multidimensional process; (3) creativity may encompass intentionality but…

The conference paper examines West Virginia's process-product model used to develop educational programs for exceptional students (behavior disordered learners and intellectually gifted learners). The background of the program is discussed, and requirements of the state's master plan are outlined. Noted are findings and recommendations of task…

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…

Louisiana's statewide provisions for education of gifted and talented preschoolers are reviewed, and difficulties encountered in serving 300 gifted young children are addressed. Among the administrative burdens cited are narrow identification criteria and the combination of limited financial and personnel resources resulting in the availability of…

The paper describes the background and development of a high school gifted and talented program. The GIFTS program balances acceleration and enrichment plus guided investigation. Identification sequences are listed, followed by a delineation of program components (organizational patterns, curriculum, instruction). Three curricular foci are noted:…

This paper, presented at the International Conference on Education for the Gifted, examines the Republic of South Africa's historical provision of education for the highly gifted as well as the present status of such service. A brief review is provided of the educational planning process and recommendations are outlined for a national system of…

Various approaches to educating the gifted and talented around the world are illustrated through descriptive reviews of gifted education in selected countries, including: Australia; Poland; England, Scotland, and Wales; and Israel. Following these reviews is an examination of several issues in gifted education around the world. This examination…

A rural district designed a unique program for gifted elementary students which allowed any teacher the opportunity to develop and teach a qualitatively different unit to students identified as gifted. The half-day once-a-week pull-out program encouraged teachers to be part of the selection process and employed a coordinator to monitor the…

A model summer program for developmentally advanced preschoolers is described, including identification procedures, staffing, and curriculum. An open classroom approach was utilized with art, music, dance, and drama activities to encourage creative growth; reading, math, and science taught in an exploratory way for those children ready for…

A program designed to serve culturally different gifted elementary students in the Omaha (Nebraska) Public Schools is described. Following a brief rationale, information on the program's identification procedures lists 12 typical characteristics of culturally diverse gifted students. Possible program approaches are delineated, including (1)…

A description is given of a staff development program designed to bridge the gap between regular teachers and teachers of gifted children. The program is based on the following concepts: (1) teachers must be provided with practical ideas that can be put into place immediately in the classroom; (2) teachers must feel ownership of their own…

The paper describes the theoretical foundations of a project which would provide special education for gifted bilingual students in grades 6, 7, and 8. Major components of the project are: procedures for identifying gifted bilingual students, curriculum needs of these students, and the role of the teacher. A multiple assessment procedure…