This article describes the development of gifted education in Victoria, Australia. It discusses implementation of the Bright Futures Policy and Program in 1995, the special gifted programs, and the Bright Futures Professional Development Package designed to improve gifted identification, develop awareness of school-based program options, and…

Talent searches are discussed in this journal theme issue, with two feature articles and several recurring columns. "Talent Search: A Driving Force in Gifted Education," by Paula Olszewski-Kubilius, defines what a talent search is, how the Talent Search was developed by Dr. Julian Stanley at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, the…

IDENTIFICATION OF MENTALLY GIFTED STUDENTS WAS BASED ON A SCORE OF 130 OR ABOVE ON THE REVISED STANFORD-BINET SCALE, A SCORE AT OR ABOVE THE 98TH PERCENTILE ON A GROUP TEST OF MENTAL ABILITY AND ON A STANDARDIZED TEST OF READING OR MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT, AND THE JUDGMENTS OF TEACHERS, PSYCHOLOGISTS, AND SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS. GIFTED CHILDREN…

This article considers four issues confronting gifted education: (1) whether there really are such entities as a gifted child; (2) gifted education; (3) special personnel preparation for teachers of gifted students; and (4) whether the application of special services is sufficient in scope and intensity to make a difference in the classroom.…

This article discusses the development of Able Pupils Extending Opportunities (APEX) Saturday Workshops and Summer Schools in England. The APEX program is focused on building confidence and extending the experiences of pupils from Year 1 to Year 9. Identification, recruitment, application procedures for workshops and summer schools are described.…

The rapid development of special education for the gifted in Taiwan from 1962 until the present is summarized. The comprehensive system of gifted education, using either the special class or the pull-out is described, along with identification procedures that are based on multi-assessment and use a step-by-step screening process. (Contains…

This interview with Joyce VanTassel-Baska discusses the growth of talent search programs to identify highly gifted students via the Scholastic Aptitude Test and the role of computer technology in what can be offered to gifted students. Also identified are key characteristics of gifted elementary, middle, and secondary school programs. (CR)

This document presents minimum standards for approval of gifted and talented programs that meet the requirements of the Standards of Accreditation adopted by the Arkansas State Board of Education February 22, 1984, which have been effective since June 1, 1987. Included are guidelines enabling school districts to: (1) establish equitable criteria…

In this interview, Dr. Abraham Tannenbaum, an author and leader of numerous research projects concerning gifted and talented students, discusses homeschooling, the impact of charter schools, magnet schools, and school choice on gifted education, the Ganiech psychosocial definition of giftedness, and the development of gifted programs. (Contains 7…

Czechoslovakia's talented youth in the natural and technical sciences are served through identification and developmental activities in elementary and secondary school; postsecondary opportunities in universities, the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences, and the Slovak Academy of Sciences; and the School for Young Talents, which prepares future…

This article discusses England's national strategy to improve the quality of gifted and talented education. The strategy includes: intensive area-based programs through localized excellence initiatives; a regional dimension through "GATE A", the new gifted and talented education arm of the London Challenge; and resources for student,…

This report describes the outcomes of a study that investigated how Chinese educators and researchers have implemented programs for the gifted in 11 elementary schools (28 teachers and 112 gifted students), in Taiwan. The most frequently used alternatives for gifted students in Taiwan were found to be separate classes and pull-out programs. A…

Gifted children need help to realize their contributions to self and society. Too often their talents go unrecognized and their needs unmet. Many Americans hesitate to encourage intellectual or creative talents, but don't complain if students are separated for remedial reading or varsity athletics. (Author/MLW)

This article presents an overview of the intermediate to advanced phases of musical talent development which usually coincide with secondary school. The role of the parent, private teacher, and practice are discussed, as well as the dilemmas facing the musical teenager and recommendations for talent development in secondary schools. (Contains…

This article traces recent developments in a national strategy for the education of highly able pupils in England, focusing on the government's Excellence in Cities school improvement program. The program seeks to ensure that gifted and talented pupils are identified and provided with opportunities to fulfill their potential. (Contains…