This article describes the Pinnacle Project, a weeklong mentorship program designed to cultivate extraordinary talents in young scholars by pairing them with an established master in his or her field of interest. Two essays by student participants discuss the power of a mentor and the benefits of the program. (CR)

This article describes the Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM) and examines the relationship between gifted programs and total school improvement using the SEM. Goals of SEM include a school SEM specialist, a strong research base, a broadened conception of human potential, and educational experiences grounded in a high-end theory of learning.…

This article provides a consistent framework through which educators may better identify and serve gifted and talented students by revisiting the dynamics of the Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM) in relation to student achievement. Delivery and structural and organizational components of SEM are discussed, along with research supporting the model.…

Leadership development to meet the need for excellence in teachers and youth is explored. Two examples are given: an award-winning teacher education program for bringing high ability students into teacher education, and a residential summer program designed to identify and develop leadership giftedness in middle school and high school youth.…

This article discusses the purpose of gifted program evaluation and identifies some of the pertinent issues involved in evaluating gifted programs. The gifted program delivered by the Peel District Board of Education in Ontario, Canada, is used to illustrate key evaluation considerations, including gifted identification procedures and gifted…

This article discusses the development of Able Pupils Extending Opportunities (APEX) Saturday Workshops and Summer Schools in England. The APEX program is focused on building confidence and extending the experiences of pupils from Year 1 to Year 9. Identification, recruitment, application procedures for workshops and summer schools are described.…

In this interview, Seokee Cho, the Director of the Research Center on the Education of the Gifted and Talented, discusses the implementation of gifted education in Korea, key issues in gifted education, the role personality plays in giftedness, the importance of mentors, parental involvement, ability identification, and fostering giftedness. (CR)

This 3-part guide is intended to help local school personnel serve their gifted students through participation in the Duke University (North Carolina) Talent Identification Program (TIP). Part I lists a timetable of activities during fall and spring which focus on the TIP application process and achievement testing. Part II describes a variety of…

This article discusses England's national strategy to improve the quality of gifted and talented education. The strategy includes: intensive area-based programs through localized excellence initiatives; a regional dimension through "GATE A", the new gifted and talented education arm of the London Challenge; and resources for student,…

Twenty-one elementary school teachers from Taiwan and 53 elementary school teachers from the New York metropolitan area were interviewed to compare the structure of talented and gifted programs (TAG), their strengths and weaknesses, and provisions for program evaluation. Results indicated few differences between the gifted students, their work…

This report describes the outcomes of a study that investigated how Chinese educators and researchers have implemented programs for the gifted in 11 elementary schools (28 teachers and 112 gifted students), in Taiwan. The most frequently used alternatives for gifted students in Taiwan were found to be separate classes and pull-out programs. A…

This article traces recent developments in a national strategy for the education of highly able pupils in England, focusing on the government's Excellence in Cities school improvement program. The program seeks to ensure that gifted and talented pupils are identified and provided with opportunities to fulfill their potential. (Contains…

This book presents 65 programs that are readily available in most school districts and communities and assesses each program's potential for serving the needs of talented students, based on levels of content acceleration, in-depth topic immersion, and interest exploration. The book begins by discussing hidden programs that are already in schools…

This article discusses the development of World Class Tests in England that enable gifted students to celebrate their achievement within an international context and to enter the World Class Arena. The Arena is being constructed as an international forum where educators and teachers can communicate on research and best practice. (CR)

This article discusses England's development of an Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth. The academy will develop, implement, and support educational opportunities for gifted and talented children up to the age of 19, as well as provide support for parents and educators. The academy's talent search, outreach program, summer schools are described.…