American schools often fail to provide opportunities for students at the highest levels of ability to test their ceilings of performance in a given talent area. Gifted education provides an essential voice addressing the importance of recognizing and developing "apex talent" and genuine "excellence" in American education.…

Seven responses to a U.S. Department of Education report assessing programs and services for talented and gifted children are presented by Charles F. Desmond, James R. Delisle, Gail E. Hanninen, Anthony Miserandino, Stephanie Tolan, John F. Feldhusen, and James J. Gallagher. (JDD)

The Lawrence Township (Indianapolis, Indiana) school district has shifted from a traditional approach to programming for gifted and talented students to a talent development approach, creating a K-12 Talent Recognition and Development Program (TRAD). The program focuses on four talent areas: academic, visual/performing arts, technical/vocational,…