This study examines the existing policies and policy efforts in the field of gifted education in Turkey. A content analysis of the state policy documents and semistructured interviews with two policy actors were conducted to explore the strengths and weaknesses of the policies regarding the education of gifted children. The findings revealed…

The goal of this mixed-methods study was to explore the effect of gender on teachers' willingness to refer students to a gifted and talented program. Teachers (N = 28) were provided with one of two profiles (i.e., female or male) describing a gifted student. Results indicated that teachers' decisions for referral to gifted programs were…

Ninety-nine gifted fourth graders were administered the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale four times. Gifted students' average scores exceeded the standardization sample and variability was smaller as well. Females had somewhat higher scores. Findings suggested that special class placement may result in lower self-concept reports for some…

Grade advancement is a legitimate and valuable method of meeting the needs of some academically gifted students and is available to every school system. Twelve practical guidelines (such as comprehensive psychological evaluation prior to placement and arranging all cases of grade advancement initially on a trial basis) are offered. (Author/DB)

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.…

Elementary teachers (N=276) reviewed a vignette of a hypothetical gifted student described as having either mild or moderate behavioral problems and either nonlabelled or labelled as behaviorally disordered (BD). Teachers were more likely to refer the mildly disturbed student for placement in a gifted program and were not significantly influenced…

The longitudinal stability of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised was examined for consistency in determining eligibility for gifted programs among 66 elementary children. All subtest scales except one remained extremely stable, producing less than one scale score point difference across three test administrations. Children…

Four papers focus on school programs for gifted and talented students. (CL)

This article analyzes why schools fail to provide for early admission of intellectually advanced children. Reasons cited include misinterpretation of research findings, bias of school personnel, expense of screening, convenience of administering a uniform entrance age procedure, etc. Benefits accruing from early admission are discussed. (JDD)

This literature review summarizes findings on the participation of gifted students with disabilities in gifted programs and urges closer cooperation with special education services and careful assessment by using an individually administered intelligence test; obtaining information from parents, family, teacher, and the student; and observing the…

Twenty-three pairs of twins were studied to determine factors influencing special program inclusion, impact of inclusion, and nature of academic programs when only one twin was included. Twins included in special programs were generally characterized by the traditional academic view of high-achievers, while nonselected twins preferred more…

The gifted program at a secondary school near Montreal (Quebec, Canada) is described. The program serves 7 percent of the school's 1700 students and includes special classes, facilities, and opportunities. The program is pyramidally structured, feeding from foundation development and self-enrichment into specialization. Core staff, mentors,…

This study examined whether Texas students who are gifted and learning disabled are being identified for gifted programs. Survey results from gifted program coordinators (n=386) showed that few school districts (n=75) selected gifted children with learning disabilities for gifted programs. Fewer districts reported identification of these students…

Review of the research about outcomes for students who enter college early suggests that early entrants continue to achieve at high levels in college and adjust well socially. Early entrants tend to continue on to graduate school. (Author/DB)

Scores on cognitive abilities tests administered to students (n=80; grades 4-8) being considered for gifted placement were analyzed for differences between low socioeconomic status (SES) students and average or above average SES students. Analysis indicated that the primary reason low SES students did not meet criteria for gifted placement was low…