Ninety-nine gifted fourth graders were administered the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale four times. Gifted students' average scores exceeded the standardization sample and variability was smaller as well. Females had somewhat higher scores. Findings suggested that special class placement may result in lower self-concept reports for some…

Difficulties facing the development of gifted programs for preschoolers are noted (including problems in identification), and four alternatives are discussed: regular preschool placement, second-grade placement for some part of the day, regular class placement with time for independent work, and preschool gifted class placement. (CL)

Self concepts of 102 gifted fourth grade children assessed prior to gifted class placement were systematically higher than those of 92 subjects assessed after beginning the program. A significant interaction between time of assessment and IQ was found. (CL)

The author cites advantages of separate classes for gifted students, suggesting that they should be protected from teachers who do not understand them and school environments with which they are bored. (CL)

A study of six gifted elementary students found that students in the homogeneous gifted class showed a greater increase in the number of control functions performed by the mind-machines they proposed, offered descriptions of their machines which were longer, more sophisticated, and more creative, and leap-frogged off of each others' ideas.…

The paper traces the apparently conflicting trends toward elimination of special classes for handicapped students (mainstreaming) and the movement toward special programs for gifted and talented students. Issues related to identification and labeling are examined, and the importance of flexible definitions for both retardation and giftedness is…

No main effects of special class placement were observed in 43 gifted students (grades six through eight) compared to 38 gifted students in regular classes in terms of cognitive processes, quality of school life, intellectual achievement, self concept, and activity. (CL)

A series of studies with learning disabled (LD) elementary grade students in eight schools investigated the relationship between class placement (regular class, part time regular class, or special class) and self concept. Ss were administered the Piers Harris Children's Self Concept Scale before and after placement changes. Results included the…

The paper examines the continuing overrepresentation of minorities in special education programs for the mildly handicapped and their underrepresentation in programs for the gifted and talented. Alternative policy strategies are presented for advocates and decision makers concerned with reducing the increasing racial and ethnic disparities in…

Compares two types of multiple criteria models used to select children for gifted classes. Breadth models, depth models, and a more traditional Intelligence Test Model were applied to fourth graders (N=159). Results indicated depth models included more students with unusually high IQ scores and more promising underachievers. (Author)

The cumulative impact of self contained class placement for 43 gifted students (grades 6 through 8) was assessed and compared to that of 38 gifted students in regular age-grade placement. Ss were compared across multiple goal domains relevant to gifted education (higher order cognitive skills, personal autonomy and responsibility for learning,…

Provisions for gifted student identification and educational programming in Australia, the USSR, Venezuela, Brazil, Indonesia, Israel, and the Peoples Republic of China, and the United Kingdom are discussed. Concern for locating and serving the gifted is apparent in all these countries. Issues and program efforts in gifted education are quite…

The handbook for parents of gifted students in Virginia provides basic State guidelines and lists resources. The state definition of gifted students is given and the six areas of giftedness specifically defined. Typical characteristics of the gifted child are briefly listed. Gifted identification procedures are outlined including referral,…

This report describes the education of gifted and talented students in the Calgary (Alberta, Canada) Public Schools based on achievement information, classroom observation, and a survey of parents and teachers. Chapter 1 introduces the report, outlining recent changes in the gifted education program, controversy over the development of gifted…

A study compared the attitudes of 91 regular teachers, 124 second year pre-service teachers, and 91 gifted program teachers from Finland and the United States toward gifted children and gifted programs. Results indicated significant differences between cultures and among teacher types. American teachers were more favorable toward special services…