Project EXCITE is a program for minority students that supplements the regular school offerings with an emphasis on enhancing students' interest and performance in math and science. This study examines the experience and perceptions of 14 student participants in the program and their parents. In student and parent interviews, Project EXCITE was…

This monograph addresses planning and developing curricula for low income and minority gifted learners. Issues discussed include collaboration among professionals working with these students, choice of school program delivery models, involvement of parent and community support systems in nurturing potential, and curriculum interventions directed…

A program was implemented in the Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) Public Schools to provide screening, identification, and programming for primary-level gifted students from culturally diverse and economically disadvantaged populations. The program's objectives include field testing recommended practices, developing appropriate identification procedures,…

This study compared the Problem Solving Assessment (PSA) procedure, an application based on Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, with more traditional criteria for the identification of minority students for gifted education programs. Although positive correlations among approaches and intelligences were observed, different groups of…

This practicum report reports on a project to increase the number of minority preschool students referred for a gifted program. A teacher checklist was designed to assist in identifying potentially gifted minority students. Training sessions were held (for 28 teachers serving 519 4-year-old students) at preschool centers to increase teacher…

Because of recent criticism of the use of standardized tests to identify gifted individuals, the focus for identification of gifted adolescents has shifted to acceptance of three interrelated aspects: (1) above average ability; (2) task commitment; and (3) creativity. It is now recognized that talented individuals will only do well in…

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…

This article discusses the validity of using conventional psychometric tests to assess the abilities of disadvantaged pupils, justifies the use of alternative assessment procedures, emphasizes the importance of changing teacher attitudes toward the disadvantaged gifted, and suggests ways to nurture and develop the talents of disadvantaged…

This paper examines problems in accurate assessment of exceptional potential in young children from minority and/or economically disadvantaged settings. Assessment issues are examined in the light of research on developmentally appropriate evaluation of young children. Historical and current practices are reviewed, and two innovative approaches to…

A survey of 39 school districts serving large numbers of culturally diverse students found that many districts listed gifted students from ethnic/linguistic minorities or economically disadvantaged as important underserved populations. Alternative identification procedures were primarily intended to expand the assessment basis, and factors…

Project Step-Up (Systematic Training of Educational Programs for Underserved Pupils) locates children from minority, economically disadvantaged populations with high potential in Texas, Arkansas, Florida, and Arizona and then uses a teaching approach that emphasizes critical thinking, vocabulary building, self-esteem strengthening, problem…

The paper describes the cultures of the Maoris and South Pacific islanders, argues that Western-oriented psychometric tests are inadequate tools for the identification of gifted Polynesian children, and calls for the development of an education system in which all cultures are recognized and appreciated. (Author/JDD)

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)

The immigrant population of Israel falls into two large groups: those of European descent and those from North African and Middle Eastern countries. Families from traditionally agrarian Arab countries generally have a lower socioeconomic status, and their children have difficulty competing in school with children from a more urban, industrialized,…