Parents often go to principals to ask for help in supporting their gifted children. They may request acceleration for their child in mathematics, a specialized curriculum or course, extracurricular activities, a pullout program, or even a different teacher. Since misconceptions about identifying gifted students are prevalent, it's important that…

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…

Preschool Filipino children from disadvantaged urban communities were assessed for giftedness. This article describes the identification procedures and tools used and presents a profile of the children in terms of socioeconomic, intellectual, and personality variables. (Author/JDD)

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…

This paper reviews research findings and research needs in the area of identification of gifted students from disadvantaged and culturally diverse groups. The Frasier Talent Assessment Profile system is presented as a way to utilize data from test and nontest sources to identify these children. (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)

After describing deficiencies of psychometric tests in identifying disadvantaged gifted youth, this article presents a system of dynamic assessment and cognitive intervention. The program's theoretical rationale is based on systematic thinking and metacognitive skills. Objectives for program implementation are offered in terms of cognitive,…

This article offers guidelines for the identification of giftedness among students learning English as a Second Language. It recommends the use of portfolio or case study procedures to identify student potential and offers guidelines for connecting practices in teaching English as a Second Language with strategies for teaching gifted students. (DB)

This article describes the Early Childhood Developmental Portfolios developed in Project Synergy at Teachers College, Columbia University, New York. The portfolios document the growth of young children with reference to developmental theory in specific domains and are used to identify, place, and develop curriculum for potentially gifted,…

The Raven Coloured and Standard Progressive Matrices (RCPM and RSPM) and a group achievement test were administered to 908 Navajo students in grades 2-12. Results suggest that the RCPM is appropriate for use through grade 2 and the RSPM in grades 3-9. Discusses gender differences and differences between students in schools on and off the Navajo…

This study investigated the effectiveness of a performance-based assessment (DISCOVER (Discovering Intellectual Strengths and Capabilities through Observation while allowing for Varied Ethnic Responses)) in identifying gifted minority middle school students. Research questions focused on examining the alignment between DISCOVER and Gardner's…

This study compared the gifted program performance of 121 economically disadvantaged students identified by using the Research-Based Assessment Plan (RAP) and 166 students who were not economically disadvantaged identified through traditional identification methods. The study also compared the RAP-identified students' attitudes toward school to…

This monograph discusses a project involving 246 teachers that investigated a Staff Development Model (SDM) and a Research-Based Assessment Plan (RAP) for their potential to improve the identification and education of gifted students from economically disadvantaged families, some of whom have limited proficiency in the English language. The…

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,…

The 13 readings in this book offer guidelines for designing and developing programs for gifted students. An introductory chapter by the editor considers the benefits of special programs for gifted students and the challenges of their development. The following chapters are: (1) "From Needs and Goals to Program Organization: A Nuts-and-Bolts Guide"…