Gifted children who do not achieve often have problems with motivation and socioemotional adjustment and may also have learning disabilities. This article examines factors such as attachment difficulties and maternal depression as these may contribute to underachievement. The article reviews past and current practices of gifted identification and…

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)

This article presents an annotated bibliography of 8 items on gifted underachievers, 13 items on culturally different gifted students, 10 items on gifted students with disabilities, 5 items on young gifted students, and 9 items on gifted females. The bibliography lists journal articles, monographs, monograph sections, and reports. (JDD)

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 project sought to identify and assist third-grade underachieving gifted students in four elementary schools in Springfield, Ohio. The four schools chosen for the project demonstrated a significant discrepancy between ability and achievement test scores among higher ability students within their culturally/economically disadvantaged student…

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…

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)

Explains that although society views gifted students as not in need of special assistance, these students do experience difficulties, many of them become droputs, and require extra help. Offers 10 broad proposals, such as placing more emphasis on talent development, for reaching out to at-risk talented students. (MKA)

Compares the career choices and interests, personality issues, and values of high-achieving, expected-achieving, and low-achieving high school and college students. States that the emphasis on individualism may encourage students to "make the grade" rather than commit to larger causes. Argues for the reassessment of achievement values and…

This report describes three model demonstration projects in Ohio school districts which focused on identifying types of gifted underachievers and providing them with services through unique instructional models. Provided for each program is information on: identifying characteristics (district, location, school population, project director);…

This document consists of three consecutive but unnumbered issues of a newsletter from the National Research Center on the Gifted and Talended (NRC/GT) containing articles on the education of gifted and talented students: "NRC/GT Destination: Around the Corner" (E. Jean Gubbins); "New NRC/GT Studies for Year 5" (on implementing enrichment…

Sixteen underachieving gifted students at Oliver High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, were identified for a pilot program called Project Inspire, which sought to improve student achievement and build self-esteem, especially for disadvantaged Afro-American students. Teachers were selected as mentors for the students, and the mentors were…

The Academic Programs for Gifted with Excellence and Equity (APOGEE) serves the top 25% of students in various categories, such as disadvantaged, minorities, underachievers, limited English speakers, and students with disabilities. Their teachers have been trained in implementing a student-centered talent development program emphasizing choices,…