This article examines the underrepresentation of African American and Hispanic students in gifted education, proposing that social inequality, deficit thinking, and microaggressions contribute to the inequitable segregated programs. Underrepresentation trends are presented, along with methods for calculating underrepresentation and inequity.…

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…

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…

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…

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…

The dichotomy between individualism and conformity, the myth that gifted children will make it on their own, and the fallacy of equating equal opportunity with equal potential, ability, and results has fostered a climate in which simplistic thinking, ambivalence, and neglect is prevalent. Awareness of this larger social context can allow for new…

This pamphlet is designed as a resource to assist school administrators and directors of gifted and talented programs in their efforts to increase participation of minority students in such programs. It explores issues related to the current underrepresentation of minority students including statistics reflecting that underrepresentation;…

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 paper discusses problems related to identification of gifted Hispanic children in rural areas. While the federal definition of giftedness is subscribed to by most states, local districts tend to seek and find White, middle-class academic achievers. One problem associated with identification of gifted minorities is that the research and…

Outlines how an artistically talented English boy has no place to develop his talent. Explores the history of educating gifted children and artists. Compares situation with other countries. Describes the type of institution that would be suitable for educating artistically talented children. (KM)

These proceedings of a national Australian conference deal with many aspects of educating gifted and talented students and contain an opening address by I. Mathieson concerning the philosophy of the Queensland (Australia) State Education Department and a statement by James Gallagher, President of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children.…

Native American tribes have a critical need for effective leadership, which can be found in the brightest of their youth. However, the focus of federal and state Native programs has been to provide remedial education. Historically, Native students at federal boarding schools did not perform at high levels because of low teacher expectations,…

Examines a multicriteria assessment process for identification of gifted minority students in a small rural Washington school district. Describes the case study of a gifted at-risk migrant student with limited English proficiency, his identification as gifted, and subsequent instructional program. (SV)

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…