Discusses the need for gifted and talented students to develop annual talent growth plans with the assistance of their counselors or program coordinators. Lists potential talent development services (such as mentorships, Odyssey of the Mind, and grade advancement), and describes the components of a sample growth plan used with approximately 600…

This article describes the revision of the writing sample component used as one of five identification criteria for placement in a gifted program. A checklist of characteristics common to gifted writers was developed to be used in evaluating the students' creative writing responses to specific literature selections. A rubric for scoring writing…

This case study describes the effects of an art program in raising the self-esteem of an artistically talented fifth-grade girl who remained in the regular classroom while her academically gifted classmates left for gifted programs. Each assignment in the art program, and her response to the activity, are described. (CR)

This article describes critical events that have shaped gifted education, including: the notion that intelligence could be measured, development of differentiated curriculum, the push to be the most powerful nation, appreciation for different intelligences, support for talent development, school reform efforts, and emerging understanding of how…

Provides vignettes of three Australian gifted elementary students who attended a grade 2/3 class of gifted and talented students and discusses the class's curriculum and activities. The role of the teacher in challenging, motivating, and encouraging the development of each child's individual interests is highlighted. (CR)

This article discusses the need for competitions and contests in schools to develop and enhance talents in academics, fine and performing arts, leadership, and service learning. An academic contest school assessment checklist is included. Information on several national contests for children and youth is presented. (CR)

Describes the use of process-folios with students who are gifted in the visual arts, for assessing student needs, identifying advanced ability, developing specific programming, and evaluating programs. Discusses factors that should be considered to ensure accurate assessment when implementing process-folios and activities for creating the…

Information on writing competitions for elementary and secondary grade students is provided including the Future Problem Solving Program, the Scenario Writing Program, the Ann Arlys Bowler Poetry Contest, and the "Kids Are Authors" contest. Summarizes four references for young authors on getting published. (DB)

Describes a program that uses independent study in English to engage gifted high school students. The program requires students to leave school to research a topic of choice, present the acquired knowledge, and determine their own grades. The students pursue their projects with the help of mentors. (CR)

Describes the philosophy and curriculum of a coeducational high school in Jordan dedicated to fulfilling the needs of gifted and talented students. The school encourages individual initiative and democratic participation and selects students based on school achievement, behavioral characteristics, mental ability, specific mathematical ability, and…

A study of 29 educational organizations in Louisiana investigated public relations needs relative to the education of gifted children. Eighteen organizations indicated they would welcome gifted education presentations at their state conferences. The need for a statewide gifted advisory council to coordinate publications, speakers, and advocacy…

Students talented in science were offered an opportunity to use community research facilities and to conduct scientific research in an independent study course at Avon Grove High School in Kemblesville, Pennsylvania. The course involved peer collaboration, cooperative learning, the teacher as mentor, research papers, and oral presentations. (JDD)

Discusses the trend toward identifying all children as gifted and the stripping of quality from gifted-child education. Argues that well-intentioned efforts to reform schools by introducing gifted-child education strategies for all students have watered down the offerings for many of the most gifted students. (CR)

Discusses the active advocacy role of teachers of gifted children. Describes basic principles of advocacy, the importance of effective communication and transactional communication, the need to focus on single issues and keep the message simple, letter-writing and phone calls, and dealing with the media. (CR)

Describes a range of summer programs for gifted or artistically talented students. Resources and guidelines for evaluating, selecting, and applying to such programs are discussed, as are safety concerns. The Pennsylvania Governor's school is also described in brief. (PB)