This essay critically examines the features and assumptions of needs-based claims to justify special services for the gifted and argues that they rest on unstated theories and unavowed moral values, define a paternalistic relationship between teachers and gifted students, and suggest that gifted students deserve things that other students do not.…

This paper discusses the pros and cons of full-time, self-contained classes for gifted children; full-time schools and full-time classes; principles of differentiated curriculum; and research results on academic and social issues. The paper concludes that self-contained classes provide a differentiated program that better meets the needs of gifted…

No matter where gifted and talented students obtain their education, they need an appropriately differentiated curriculum designed to address their individual characteristics, needs, abilities, and interests. A program that builds on these characteristics may be viewed as qualitatively (rather than quantitatively) different from the basic…

The goal of gifted and talented education in South Carolina is to identify and nurture potential through the development of specialized curriculum offerings modified and adapted to meet the unique learning styles, learning rates, interests, abilities, and needs of gifted and talented students. An appropriate program for gifted and talented…

Gifted students are not receiving the kind of education they need and deserve. In overlooking the needs of such students, our schools are allowing a great natural resource to go to waste. (Editor/RK)

Reviews psychological conceptions of giftedness. Discusses the current status of education of the gifted. Introduces current public policy issues and concerns related to future policy issues. Recommends new directions for research. (Author/BJV)

This guide is designed to help parents and other interested persons understand the nature and needs of gifted children, to provide ideas and activities that will nurture gifted children, and to explain the components of the Major Work Program, which is the gifted education program of the Cleveland (Ohio) Public School District. The guide outlines…

Education for the gifted and talented is receiving increased attention in New Jersey. But as the number of gifted and talented students increases and more of these students are identified, it has become apparent that non-traditional methods of providing such students with an education must be considered. Discusses a number of alternatives and…

This theme issue on gifted high school students presents several feature articles, a California legislative update, and an editorial. In "Summer Seminar '93--California in the 21st Century," Janis Van Dreal describes a 2-week residential program in which gifted high school students examined California's future. "Visiting a Gifted…

For adolescent females, many influences create conflicts between femininity and realization of their giftedness. A study at two New Jersey Governor's Schools found that gifted girls endorse androgynous sex role characteristics. Governor's schools are encouraged to develop programs for gifted females in educational and career counseling, parent…

This paper briefly outlines the history of gifted education programs and identifies factors working against gifted education. It describes gifted program options and presents arguments for and against each option. The paper then presents the arguments of several critics outside the gifted education field who severely criticize the very presence of…

The perceptions of 175 gifted education teachers and 147 middle-school teachers concerning gifted education needs were compared. Gifted educators disagreed with proponents of cooperative learning concerning student needs and disagreed with middle-school educators on the value of ability grouping and the social consequences of being labeled gifted.…

This reprint of an article on the experiences of two mathematically precocious youths is preceded by a commentary that stresses the increased zest for learning experienced by the accelerants, the benefits of better educational preparation, and the importance of parental support for acceleration. (Contains 9 references.) (CR)

Outcome-based education (OBE) is a reform movement that puts equity in the forefront, ties excellence to outcomes, and recognizes giftedness only as it is expressed by achievement. Gains brought about by pull-out, mentoring, and compaction programs may be lost if needs of gifted students are not recognized under OBE. (JDD)

Case studies are presented of three gifted students, indicating the social and academic problems which are standing in the way of their potential development. The students include a Vietnamese-American ninth-grade girl who has difficulty with English and does not feel accepted by other students, an underachieving seventh grade boy who speaks out…