School improvement efforts often focus on students who perform below grade level. These improvement efforts typically focus on improving instruction, often through a framework and professional development. The question remains, how do students who are gifted and talented respond to this type of instruction? We observed 48 students in their…

Programs for gifted students are in great demand in secondary schools. An administrator can easily supervise the development of such a program by starting small, using existing resources, avoiding "ousidersism" and perfectionism, developing a working definition of giftedness, developing a sensible identification procedure, and publicizing the…

An exploration of the concept and the process of programs for gifted students. (Author/MLF)

Over the past 10 or 15 years, gifted education has been transformed. Major changes have occurred in the areas of theory and research, instruction and programming, and consideration of special populations' needs. This theme issue overviews all three areas, focusing on reconceptualized notions of intelligence, alternatives to discontinued pullout…

The 7 O'Clock Scholars Program for gifted and talented students at Pontiac (Michigan) Central Senior High School brings speakers from a nearby university to speak to interested high school students during 50-minute sessions before regular classes begin. (PGD)

Gifted students have special needs, and extra support systems should be provided. All students should be encouraged to search for their special talents and pursue them. (MD)

A program for gifted students at the intermediate level is described that allows students to "mainstream" while participating in accelerated experiences. (MD)

Rural gifted students experience similar opportunities and tribulations as those in suburban settings. They often have fewer choices of advanced courses, struggle for access to academic materials, and have transportation problems. However, they have more opportunities to participate in cocurricular activities and experience school as part of…

Discusses Joan Lipsitz's 1984 treatise on ideal middle level school characteristics. Many middle schools' creative approaches to programing and instruction (through interdisciplinary team teaching, interest-based activities, thematic schoolwide events, creative problem solving, and hands-on experience) and responsiveness to young adolescents'…

Describes the Potential National Merit Scholars program at Jacksonville (Florida) Schools, an effort to identify exceptionally talented students and schedule them into advanced mathematics and language arts clases in the eighth grade. They may also attend special summer sessions and the superintendent's 100 superscholars program. (MLH)

Most summer programs for gifted students are affiliated with universities or schools, involve immersion in a content area, have varied costs and entrance requirements, and employ excited, committed instructors. Some programs are open only to young women and minorities. Others offer a chance to experience college life or faraway places. All…

Both the United World Colleges and the International Baccalaureate offer exciting educational alternatives for high-ability students. Based on international understanding through educational exchange, the World Colleges are composed of students and faculties from many nations and all races. A Houston Theory of Knowledge project to prepare students…

Suggests techniques for planning and administering gifted programs, identifying gifted students, and gaining program acceptance. (JM)

Within a context of ambivalence and limited resources, school administrators are challenged to create conditions that enable gifted students to thrive. This article discusses how to create learning environments that stimulate talent development; illustrates how the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy created an environment that fosters deep…