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…

A teacher/counselor of gifted students explains some of the difficulties encountered by at-risk, high-ability, young people. Describes discussion groups held for these students and suggests that gifted-education teachers and school counselors work together to provide advocacy for gifted students. (MKA)

Describes experience working with a second-grade Native American male identified as a bully. Author used classroom and individual interventions and communicated with the child's parents, principal, teacher, and other school personnel. Suggests that problem children need courageous advocacy to succeed. (MKA)

Describes how a Red Flag Carry-Over Reclaiming Intervention is used with a 16-year-old mainstreamed male student. Removing the student from the situation, allowing him silent "drain-off" time, and helping him learn to identify his self-defeating behavior helped him to avoid an overwhelming life experience. (MKA)

Education accompanied by social mobility is the cornerstone of the American dream. Yet, each year scores of children, especially those from the underprivileged class, fail to meet even the most modest academic expectations and subsequently never reach their academic potential. This research rejects earlier explanations of academic failure and…

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…

The following issues in identification of the gifted and their recruitment into special programs are discussed: (1) characteristics of diverse populations that hinder identification; (2) recruitment procedures; (3) selection criteria; (4) quality of measures used for identification; and (5) training and skills of examiners. (PS)

Documents the activities, resources, and relationships available to three gifted urban elementary public school children living in poverty and describes their adjustment at home and at school over a three-year period. Despite their mothers' active involvement in their education, the children experienced limited academic opportunities. (CR)

A study of the 42,586 students participating in the Midwest Talent Search program in 1985-1987 showed that low-income students were underrepresented in the gifted population. Low income negatively affected students' Scholastic Aptitude Test scores even in the upper ranges of ability. (Author/JDD)

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)

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)

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,…

Explores current policies and practices with regard to defining, identifying, and educating gifted children with learning disabilities. Suggests that with support, understanding, and appropriate educational intervention, gifted students with learning disabilities can overcome their academic difficulties. (AEF)

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…