Academic disciplines and professional fields need to engage in ongoing evaluation of their purposes and conceptual frameworks. The complex field of gifted education can benefit from such evaluations, and the refinements that can emerge from them. This article is a discussion between two of the most prominent scholars in the field. The discussion…

Definitions and identification practices are examined in light of special problems facing gifted disabled and gifted disadvantaged students. Research is reviewed on a variety of gifted subgroups, including physical disabilities, diverse cultures and ethnic groups, underachievement, and learning disabilities. Differences in definitions of gifted…

Traces the evolution of current definitions of the gifted and talented. Examines a model of assessment, and presents steps in the selection of students for a gifted and talented program. (CT)

Guidelines and about 160 references that may assist local New York State school districts develop programs for the gifted cover the following seven program components: planning, the district's philosophy and definition of gifted, identification, programming (curricula and instruction), teacher selection and education, promoting awareness of gifted…

In response to a critique (EC 231 995) of the research bases of his three-ring conception of giftedness, the author notes selectivity and bias in the critic's methodology, raises larger issues (such as equity) underlying identification and programing for the gifted, and discusses the role of theory and the need for action. (DB)

The editor introduces a special issue on myths in gifted education. He suggests that myths deal with three major topics: definitions of the gifted and talented, identification, and programs. He concludes with a list of 14 questions concerning alternative approaches. (CL)

These guidelines are intended to help New York State school districts: (1) develop procedures for identifying gifted students and (2) use the information obtained through identification procedures as a basis for deciding how educational programs and services can be modified to serve the students. Initial sections of the manual define giftedness…

The report presents recommendations made by a panel of experts in gifted education regarding education for gifted students in Florida. Among recommendations are those for increasing minority representation in gifted programs, modifying the state definition to complement general intellectual ability with specific academic aptitude, using a multiple…

These four monographs on the education of the gifted and the talented were prepared by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Monograph #1 addresses the questions of who the gifted and talented are and why they need special programs. Monograph #2 concerns staff involvement, and covers such topics as staff development, the role of the…

Presented is the guide for gifted and talented programs in Arizona public schools. Included in the first section are definitions of such terms as "gifted", an outline of procedures of the local district to obtain state approval of a proposed program, an application form for program approval, and an outline of a suggested program…

The study was designed to provide background information on which to base a program for gifted and talented students in Alberta. Questionnaires, on-site visits, and interviews were used to compile non-statistical and descriptive data on current programs for the gifted throughout Canada and the United States. report contains sections on the…

The paper examines key issues in the future of gifted education, first noting the emphasis in the current literature on the need for restructuring the curriculum, particularly in science and mathematics. Findings regarding definitions of gifted children are examined, noting the frequent practice of arbitrarily identifying those dimensions of…

The report examines services for the gifted in West Virginia and offers recommendations for improving those services. In chapter 1, "Study of Best Practices in Educating Gifted Children," Patricia Bruce Mitchell outlines findings from a literature and interview analysis regarding best practices in gifted education, including exemplary…

Part of a 10 booklet series on talented and gifted education, the booklet presents information for parents about educational programs for talented and gifted children. An historical view of talented and gifted education is presented, along with a definition of gifted and talented students. Characteristics of giftedness are outlined for the…

The article focuses on decisions to be made in planning and implementing programs for gifted and talented students, including resolving issues in the following areas: definition of giftedness, identification, establishing the climate for success, delineation of program objectives and activities, evaluation, and dissemination. (CL)