The purpose of this paper is to examine and evaluate the form, function, and effectiveness of Illinois demonstration centers established as change agents for the improvement of district programs for gifted children. The evaluation involved an analysis of the centers' policies formulated over an extended time period, the quality of the…

A state system of about 20 demonstration centers was developed in Illinois to exhibit a variety of model programs for gifted children, ranging from kindergarten to high school. Subjects ranged from foreign language to dance and dramatics. Evaluation indicated low quality in too many centers. The centers performed best on the awareness function,…