As an alternative to the current paradigm of gifted education, Ziegler and Phillipson proposed a systemic approach and argued that factors in the current mechanistic model of giftedness are not good predictors for exceptionality. They pinpointed that a single factor identified as an indicator of giftedness, ineffective measures, inappropriate…

This article provides further evidence of the often observed sensitive nature displayed by children who are gifted. It also addresses the positive and negative effects that this sensitivity can have on these individuals. Earlier, the authors explored this concept through an analysis of the works and life experiences of Geoffrey, aged 9, a prolific…

Ziegler and Phillipson make a strong case for the need to reconsider traditional models of gifted education. Although their evidence and argument are compelling, the reviewers argue that several additional steps are needed to justify the theoretical foundation of the theory in order to facilitate its evaluation by researchers. First, Ziegler and…

Ziegler and Phillipson (Z&P) advance an interesting and ambitious proposal, whereby current analytical/mechanistic theories of gifted education are replaced by systemic theories. In this commentary, the author focuses on the pros and cons of using systemic theories. He argues that Z&P's proposal both goes too far and not far enough. The future of…

The dynamics of social, economic, and public life provide evidence of the increasing need to analyze current problems of children's education and giftedness. At present, work with gifted children in the municipal system of education is being conducted by many educational institutions--gymnasiums, lyceums, and institutions for supplementary…

This article reviews seven different theories of giftedness that include creativity as a component, comparing and contrasting how each one conceptualizes creativity as a part of giftedness. The functions of creativity vary across the models, suggesting that while the field of gifted education often cites the importance of creativity, the…

The commentaries to our target article "Towards a systemic theory of gifted education" differed in their assessments of the various arguments we put forward. Of the more than 40 responses to our target article, 27 responses were chosen as being representative of all commentaries. We grouped the responses according to the main points in our target…

In this target article, we argue that current approaches to gifted education are based on the erroneous view that to understand the development of exceptionality we need to understand firstly the components of giftedness, including cognitive such as intelligence and non-cognitive factors such as motivation. In contrast, systemic approaches to…

This book is a scholarly overview of the modern concepts, definitions, and theories of intellectual giftedness, and of past and current developments in the field of gifted education. The authors consider, in some detail, the roles of intelligence, creativity, and wisdom in giftedness and the interaction between culture and giftedness, as well as…

Legislative measures designed to ensure that all students meet minimal expectations have concerned leaders in gifted education. In this current educational climate of standards and accountability, however, there is arguably greater agreement than ever before between experts and professional organizations in general education and their counterparts…

A former teacher of secondary talented and gifted (T.A.G.) students outlines principles and procedures of a seminar approach in which students assume the role of teachers. Procedures are seen to involve student interviews, student teacher conferences, and opportunities for independent work. Sample forms for the interview and project study aspects…

Ten principles of an educational program for gifted children are outlined and include employment of active methods and expressive techniques, differentiation of curriculum, physical education, education of the imagination and feelings, education of the will, and education in right human relations. (DB)

This computer-searchable database, available on diskette in DOS and Macintosh versions, contains descriptions of approximately 475 video and other media products related to special education of students with disabilities and/or giftedness. Most of the products listed are videotape recordings; other formats include audiocassettes, films,…

Literature on qualifications for teachers of gifted and talented students is reviewed; and "andragogy", an approach to helping mature students learn, is described in terms of its implications for four basic characteristics of gifted students. (CL)

A GENERAL DISCUSSION OF VARIOUS PROGRAMS OF EDUCATION FOR THE GIFTED STUDENT AS THEY EXIST IN THE UNITED STATES TODAY IS PRESENTED. THE ACADEMICALLY TALENTED CONSIST OF THE TOP 20 PERCENT OF THE STUDENTS AS DEFINED BY THE INADEQUATE, BUT USEFUL, INTELLIGENCE QUOTIENT. THE "GIFTED" STUDENTS ARE THE TOP 4 PERCENT, AND THE "HIGHLY…