The concept of giftedness is frequently challenged on the grounds that 1) it is a ragged or slippery concept, 2) it is inegalitarian, 3) it is culturally arbitrary, and 4) it fails to distinguish children with natural ability from children who are parentally pressured. I argue that all these charges are unfounded. We "can" distinguish between…

Examines definitions of "gifted" and "underachiever," identifying factors considered when assigning these terms. Reports on a study of underachieving, gifted, working-class boys that found the label "underachieving" to be falsely applied when these boys are content with their social position and life-style. (Author/AEM)

Definitions and identification practices are examined in light of special problems facing gifted disabled and gifted disadvantaged students. Research is reviewed on a variety of gifted subgroups, including physical disabilities, diverse cultures and ethnic groups, underachievement, and learning disabilities. Differences in definitions of gifted…

Third World countries need to produce permanent leadership talent from their own citizens instead of leasing temporary talent from outside sources. This paper describes the low cultural self-image which creates reluctance to support gifted education. A model program is proposed, calling for establishment of a network for exchanging information and…

Gifted students come from all socioeconomic backgrounds. A broader definition of giftedness and improved assessment methods will help remove barriers that keep poor and minority students out of programs for the gifted. (TE)

Discussion of the issues of under representation of diverse students, especially African Americans, in programs for gifted students and of underachievement of minority students suggests a solution to both issues is for schools to create culturally responsive classrooms. The article describes the needs of diverse students and offers several…

The article looks at issues in the education of gifted disadvantaged students especially in developing nations. Discussed are the question of defining intelligence, identification of intellectual giftedness in this group, specific educational needs of the gifted disadvantaged at various age levels, and the positive effects of most educational…

This article offers an overview of educational reform and outlines its implications for gifted African-American students. The lack of attention to equity issues in reform reports is documented and prerequisites for success in educational reform are cited, such as performance-based assessment and site-based management. (JDD)

Considers characteristics of rural gifted students, rural family and community attitudes and school conditions relevant to rural gifted students' underachievement. Recommends active administrator support for gifted programs, and the use of acceleration as an equitable, effective, and cost-efficient strategy for rural gifted education. 41…

Problems in identifying gifted students with cultural differences and language disadvantages are outlined, and vocabulary development of minority culture children is cited as one factor involved in failure to identify giftedness. Schools are encouraged to take aggressive measures in locating and identifying gifted disadvantaged students. (JDD)

This article maintains that the underrepresentation of diverse students in gifted education programs is due to a "deficit perspective" about culturally diverse populations. Recommendations include identifying and serving underachievers and low socioeconomic-status students, providing educators and gifted students with multicultural education, and…

Old stereotypes of the gifted student as well-rounded achiever, easily identified by self-confidence and history of success, must be replaced by serious efforts to arrive at a definition of giftedness that will include all gifted students, the nonachieving as well as those who are achieving. (JHZ)

This project describes Project SAIL (Schools for Active Interdisciplinary Learning), a federally funded project providing in-depth staff development during a 3-week summer program for teachers, parents, and their gifted/talented economically disadvantaged students. The program theme, "Searching for Patterns in History," has been used with students…

Discusses five common rural impediments to equal access to gifted programs, and focuses on two under educators' control, program funding and student identification practices. Offers three approaches to local standardization of intelligence test norms. 11 references. (SV)

Discusses the contradictions and value conflicts encountered by gifted girls in rural schools. Suggests teacher and counselor strategies to promote sensitivity to gender bias, build girls' confidence, and provide learning materials and experiences that reflect realistic and relevant roles for both sexes. Includes an 18-item annotated list of…