Discusses the use of competitions to motivate scientifically gifted students to further develop their abilities. Before scheduling a competition, teachers are urged to consider the type of project, ability to work at home or at school, curriculum fit, and individual pace and style. Seven science competitions are profiled. (CR)

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…

Discusses the importance of mentoring programs for children, particularly for especially creative gifted children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. It describes characteristics for a successful mentor relationship and ways mentors can help in the expression and development of positive creativity in children. (CR)

This interview with Oleg Davydenko, a geneticist in Belarus who also runs a club for adolescents interested in genetics, addresses his work, the origins of the club, self-selection by students, characteristics of the best student members, the club's financial support, his own development as a youth, and the role of contests like the Olympiads. (DB)

Discusses the underrepresentation of culturally different students in gifted programs in South Florida and a pilot project that identifies and teaches primary-age children who appear to have above-average ability, but who are often hindered from achieving their true potential by economic circumstances or cultural differences. (CR)

Discusses the themes of "Good Will Hunting" and "Titanic" and their messages to educators. The need for gifted children to have an array of people in their lives to nurture their abilities and the need for the development of a New Zealand national policy for gifted children is emphasized. (CR)

Discusses gifted identification and the potentially harmful effects of labeling a child "gifted" and making premature assumptions. Parents are urged to allow children to develop their gifts unencumbered by expectations and observe, watch, listen, prompt, affirm, and enjoy as the child engages with the world. (CR)

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…

Discusses the outcomes of the Fullerton Study, a continuing longitudinal research project that is investigating the differences between 107 gifted (n=20) and typical preschool children. Results of the study highlight the importance of early identification and programming for gifted children. Characteristics of the gifted children and parental…

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…

Discusses how three different models can be used to serve gifted children: separate classrooms, resource rooms, and the consultant-teacher model. How differentiated curricula can be used in inclusive settings and the characteristics of a differentiated classroom are highlighted. The need for appropriate professional development is emphasized. (CR)

This article describes critical events that have shaped gifted education, including: intelligence testing, the concept of intelligence, the construct of creativity, greater understanding of brain functions, the work of John Dewey, Jerome Bruner, and Leta Hollingworth, school reform, world change, and the shift from identification to meeting…