Curriculum must be adapted to match the ability and developmental stages of the academically gifted. The Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth at Johns Hopkins University determined that curriculum flexibility, not change, is the best approach. (JOW)

This article provides research-based suggestions for developing educational options based on acceleration to meet the needs of gifted students in rural areas. Accelerative options offered by both the home school and universities in Iowa are described. (DB)

The long-term effects of various accelerative options were evaluated using a group of 510 students identified as highly gifted in junior high. Their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, goals and aspirations, and social and emotional adjustment were assessed after completing high school. No discernible negative effects of…

Arguments against the elimination of special programs for gifted students are presented. Acceleration is seen as a well-supported programing option for gifted students in a time of increasing elimination of gifted programs and increasing use of heterogeneous grouping. (DB)

Participants in a fast-paced mathematics course and qualified nonparticipants were surveyed 10 years later with respect to undergraduate record, graduate experience, attitudes toward mathematics/science, and self-esteem. In general, participation was associated with stronger undergraduate records for all students and with more advanced graduate…

Survey results from cohorts of 511 and 222 gifted and accelerated students surveyed at ages 13, 18, and 23 years and a subset of 73 students indicate that students generally express positive feelings about acceleration. Nonintellectual personal attributes commonly used to select students for acceleration may be inappropriately used. (SLD)

Identified by a study of mathematically precocious youth, 107 academically accelerated gifted students were compared with 107 nonacademically accelerated gifted students. At age 23-25 years, the 2 subject groups exhibited few significant differences, and no evidence of harmful effects of academic acceleration were found. (SLD)