Outlines the development of the construct of giftedness, asserting that giftedness is not a fact of nature or something discovered by educators and psychologists but rather a recently invented, socially constructed concept. Reviews the evolution of this construction and discusses practical implications of its application in education, speculating…

Traces the recent differentiation of the construct of talent (versus gifted) and discusses how talent emphasis has enriched the field of gifted education. Examines definitions of talent and describes talent as a high-performance capability in specific academic disciplines or achievement domains other than the arts; thinking skills; a…

Examines the myths about gifted education held by society and educators. In exposing the myths and providing the research-supported realities, the article defends the existence of gifted education. The article also includes suggestions for how to best shape and present gifted education in a way that creates a wider acceptance of its mission. (SM)

Proposes changing the direction of studies on advanced development (giftedness), using Feldman's and Vygotsky's research to argue that the focus should be on ordinary parts of life which contribute to extraordinary achievement. The paper suggests the importance of studying people within a field over time, examining the individual and the situation…

Examines research on psychological and social aspects of gifted education, highlighting: students' psychological and social needs, school-based issues common to gifted students, and social coping strategies gifted students employ at school. An information management model is discussed for anticipating and understanding gifted students'…

The parents of a highly gifted son reflect on their experiences and their changing and differing perspectives as their son has navigated through the educational system over the years. The parents offer suggestions for educators of gifted students. (SM)

Explicates the construct of asynchronous development, advocating for its inclusion in planning for and educating gifted students. The paper examines the work of several researchers as it relates to asynchronous development of gifted students. It also discusses social and emotional aspects of vulnerability; socialization versus social development;…

Examines various assumptions that underlie current definitions guiding the assessment of gifted and talented students, making suggestions reflective of the synthesis of available constructs defining gifted education. Implications of these assumptions for assessment (primarily identification) of gifted and talented students are noted. Using types…

Examines various services available to gifted undergraduate students, including admission to college without high school graduation; credit for previous advanced work; identification during and after admission; advising by specialized personnel; career planning; and special programs (e.g., honors programs, admission to graduate courses,…

Explains the concept of least restrictive environment (LRE) and explores the ways in which it fits and does not fit gifted education. The paper discusses LRE as it relates to special education and to gifted students, investigates whether separate education hurts gifted students, discusses gifted students and the equitable society, and looks at the…

A legal framework for resolving disputes in gifted education is slowly evolving. The major components of the framework include legislation, court cases, due process hearings, administrative regulations, Letters of Findings issued by the Office for Civil Rights, negotiation, and mediation. The paper provides suggestions for navigating the existing…

Longitudinal, retrospective, and cross-sectional data on the relationship between giftedness in childhood and adulthood indicate that children who became eminent adults did not necessarily fit conceptions of giftedness driving current school programs. The paper presents directions for school gifted programs and perspectives for families that are…

Describes factors that hold promise for recruiting and retaining minority students in gifted education programs, including having equitable, culturally sensitive screening and identification instruments and procedures; providing minority students with a quality education; addressing problems that interfere with minority students' achievement; and…