What recent research has been conducted about gifted and talented students and their learning experiences in school? As we complete the first decade of the new century we are entering a time when much attention is focused on remediation and test preparation; it only seems appropriate to reflect upon what has been learned about gifted education…

The author reviews principles underlying his Revolving Door Identification Model (RDIM) and its use in conjunction with the Enrichment Triad model. Two levels of identification in RDIM are considered and research briefly summarized. (CL)

The digest addresses ways in which gifted and talented students are identified. Commonly used identification systems include matrix systems, the Talent Search Identification Model, and the Revolving Door Identification Model. Major questions about identification practices include inappropriate use of certain instruments and the inadequacy of…

The authors describe an approach to identifying gifted children based upon a three-ring definition of giftedness (above average general ability, task commitment, and creativity). Examples are given of the revolving door model in practice, needed policy changes are noted, and its advantages and potential problems cited. (CL)

After reviewing old definitions of giftedness and research dealing with characteristics of the gifted, the author presents a definition that focuses on three clusters of traits--above average general ability, high level of task commitment, and high level of creativity. (IRT)

The article examines problems associated with the design of identification studies and suggests three alternative designs: performance criteria in academic mastery in a domain specific area, creative productivity in domain specific or interdisciplinary areas, and long-range creative productivity. (CL)

Develops a definition of giftedness. Presents three traits of giftedness: above average ability, creativity, and task commitment. The definition includes an interaction among those three traits. (MA)

The report analyzes research on characteristics of gifted and talented persons and suggests a rationale for identification systems. The importance of an operational definition is emphasized, and various conceptions and definitions of giftedness are reviewed. Problems with the U.S. Office of Education definition are cited. Three cluster areas…

Explores the multifaceted nature of giftedness and describes the Total Talent Portfolio (TTP), a framework for talent development of gifted students that requires giving equal attention to interests and learning styles as well as to cognitive abilities. Explains the major dimensions of the TTP. (CR)

Teacher rating scales have been used widely throughout the United States as part of a comprehensive plan for identifying potentially gifted and talented students. The Scales for Rating the Behavioral Characteristics for Superior Students (SRBCSS) are among the most frequently used teacher rating scales to assess the characteristics of and nominate…

Review of the last 25 years of the author's work focuses on models for identifying and serving gifted and talented students including: (1) the Three Ring Conception of Giftedness; (2) the Enrichment Triad Model; and (3) the Schoolwide Enrichment Model. Summaries focus on the rationale supporting each model, practical applications, and possible…

The article presents a step by step refutation of criticisms made by Hans Jellen in a presentation critical of J. Renzulli's conception of the gifted, of the Enrichment Triad Model, and the Revolving Door Identification Model. (Author/CL)

Sentence combining by itself or teamed with creative thinking activities resulted in higher holistic ratings of writing samples for gifted fifth- and sixth-graders. Results further revealed that the writing quality was significantly higher for sessions within the classroom than for "pull-out" sessions. Four specific educational implications were…

Looks at such areas as the reasons some gifted succeed and others don't, the emphasis on the process models of giftedness, and the problems of identifying and evaluating the gifted. (IRT)