This article focuses on research findings from multiple evaluation studies on the teacher use of differentiated practices for gifted learners that have implications for best practice in gifted education internationally. Research questions centered on what specific differentiation practices were employed with gifted learners and distinctions found…

Reading for primary level gifted children should provide for more appropriate experiences than by mere adaptations of the regular reading program. Early identification should be followed by small group instruction in which gifted students are encouraged to read widely, creatively, and critically. (CL)

Suggestions are given for operating quality programs for gifted children on limited budgets. Considered are alternatives such as cluster grouping, use of parent and community volunteers, and use of community resources and services. (CL)

College practices such as acceleration, grouping, and enrichment are discussed regarding their effect on gifted students. Also considered are opening classes to high school students, conducting recruitment and remedial programs for minority students, and offering cross disciplinary courses and majors. (CL)

A study of six gifted elementary students found that students in the homogeneous gifted class showed a greater increase in the number of control functions performed by the mind-machines they proposed, offered descriptions of their machines which were longer, more sophisticated, and more creative, and leap-frogged off of each others' ideas.…

The process of curriculum compacting, a means of modifying and enriching the regular curriculum to meet the needs of gifted students is described and illustrated with classroom examples. The roles of classroom teachers, administrators, and gifted education specialists in implementing compacting are explored. (Author/DB)

Methods of enrichment, grouping, and acceleration are suggested for dealing with gifted and talented students during periods of declining enrollment. The importance of planning program development is stressed. (CL)

This article examines recent trends and the literature on grouping with emphasis on possible negative effects of heterogeneous grouping on gifted students. Guidelines from three recent publications all supporting some level of grouping are listed. (DB)

This article presents the results of a survey of elementary teachers (n=22) who used cluster grouping of gifted students within regular classrooms. Findings indicated general acceptance of clustering and that gifted students benefited from this provision. (DB)

This article describes cooperative-learning models, discusses adaptation of cooperative learning for gifted students, and outlines an appropriate curriculum for gifted students. The paper concludes that activities that allow gifted students to share knowledge and improve interaction skills are appropriate for heterogeneous groups, whereas…

A commentary precedes this reprint of a study that investigated the academic, psychological, and socialization effects of ability grouping on gifted learners. Conclusions drawn from 13 research syntheses supported sustained periods of instruction in like-ability groups for gifted students. The commentary discusses the research findings and…

A survey of 173 advocates of cooperative learning and 141 gifted education teachers revealed a wide chasm between the 2 groups on the issue of heterogeneous and homogeneous grouping for cooperative learning. Many educators linked cooperative learning with the antitracking movement. Both groups supported having more staff development and…

This reprint of a previously published article describes a study that examined the relationship of six commonly held myths regarding ability grouping to educators' efforts to provide the best instructional programs for all students. The article is preceded by a commentary stressing the need for appropriate services. (Contains references.) (CR)

A commentary precedes this previously published article that presents different perspectives on the inclusion of gifted students in the heterogeneously grouped classroom. A professor advocates homogeneous ability grouping, a teacher explains how inclusion can be impractical, and a parent describes the benefits of appropriate placement. (Contains 3…

A commentary precedes this previously published study that indicates school modifications for a highly gifted 9-year-old in a mixed ability fifth-grade classroom took little account of affective needs and resulted in limited success in the cognitive area. The student's difficult personality interfered with the success of his schooling. (Contains…