Two second-order meta-analyses synthesized approximately 100 years of research on the effects of ability grouping and acceleration on K-12 students' academic achievement. Outcomes of 13 ability grouping meta-analyses showed that students benefited from within-class grouping (0.19 = g = 0.30), cross-grade subject grouping (g = 0.26), and special…

This article revisits the 1986 Feldhusen, Proctor, and Black recommendations on grade skipping. These recommendations originally appeared as 12 guidelines. In this article, the guidelines are grouped into three general categories: how to screen accelerant candidates, how to engage with the adults in the acceleration process (e.g., teachers,…

The article examines acceleration methods for gifted girls and recommends a program of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. The program appears to have been effective in attracting gifted high school girls because it offers university courses within the high school as part of the regular school day. (Author/SW)

The paper reviews the history of gifted education in the United States since the late 1800's, with particular emphasis on reading and reading instruction. Definitional issues are examined, and the impact of social forces upon the changing conceptions of the population is analyzed. The history of gifted services begins with the writings of F.…

This article discusses how schools can best meet the needs of precocious children by giving them access to higher level and more challenging instructional materials. Findings from a study of 40 precocious third and fourth graders are described and the benefits of acceleration are highlighted, particularly grade advancement and advanced placement…

The paper examines research on the education of gifted students. Studies are cited and conclusions drawn for 10 topic areas: (1) identification (methods, recommended commercial tests, sex differences, emotional differences); (2) rationale for special provisions; (3) talent loss (dropping out and educational deprivation); (4) needed personnel…

This article discusses the purpose of block scheduling, types of block scheduling (alternate day, accelerated block scheduling, and the Copernican Plan), and how many facets of block scheduling can enhance gifted and talented learner experiences. The need for teacher training to meet the needs of gifted learners is emphasized. (Contains…

This article focuses on the importance of acceleration and grouping for gifted students in the context of school reform and recommends a set of decision-making guidelines for each issue including flexibility in entrance and exit requirements for courses, opportunities for telescoping and grade skipping, various forms of grouping, and independent…

Observation of educational environments of 39 gifted students in primary and middle schools from a school district in England identified two methods of educational enrichment: circumstantial and specific. Teaching skills for the development of an individualized curriculum within the existing organizational structure are stressed. (Author/CB)

Meta-analytic reviews have shown that gifted students gain little from programs of minimal instructional modification (multilevel classes), more from greater modifications (cross-grade and within-class programs) and the most from those involving the greatest amount of curricular adjustment (enrichment and acceleration). (Author/DB)

The paper presents a review of the evaluation research on programs for young (preschool through grade 3) gifted children. Questions addressed concern the effectiveness of various program approaches on measures of general and specific abilities and the nature of existing reports. Topics reviewed include grouping strategies, preschool programs for…

The paper describes problems endemic to the evaluation of programs for gifted and talented students. The goals of gifted and talented programs are often substantially different from those covered on outcome measures available to schools. When decisions are being made about the type of programs to be provided, parallel consideration should be given…

Urges development of gifted programs appropriate to rural schools. Discusses groupings, curricula, technology, and differentiated education. Emphasizes the importance of peer and community involvement. Provides 21 references. (SKW)

If educators are to fulfill their responsibilities to gifted children and youth, they must come to grips with related issues and questions when planning curriculum and instruction to prepare children and youth for the future. Among those issues and questions are: comprehensive curriculum planning for gifted children; total curriculum planning (as…

This monograph uses a question-answer format to address issues concerned with meeting the needs of gifted students as Wisconsin schools restructure and change grouping practices as part of raising standards of learning for all students. Among 12 questions considered are the following: (1) Aren't some of the principles of middle level education,…