This article discusses concepts related to character strengths and positive youth development and how these ideas can be applied to improve outcomes among gifted young people. A theory with roots in public health, The Theory of Triadic Influence (TTI), is discussed with examples applied to gifted populations. Practitioners and researchers from…

Within the discipline of special education is academically gifted education, and this distinct area is not typically required as a topic of focus in traditional teacher preparation programs for regular education teachers. Therefore, it is essential that current research is conducted and published that provides educators, both general and special,…

Data of item responses to the Impossible Figures Task (IFT) from 492 Chinese primary, secondary, and university students were analyzed using the dichotomous Rasch measurement model. Item difficulty estimates and person ability estimates located on the same logit scale revealed that the pooled sample of Chinese students, who were relatively highly…

This article presents the findings of a set of Action Research projects carried out by practitioners in 14 Local Education Districts in collaboration with a team of university tutors over a period of three years. The aim of the project was to explore ways of nurturing the gifts and talents of children aged 4-7 years. The project was funded by the…

The article relates the concept of giftedness and ways of identifying giftedness to Jean Piaget's theories of intelligence. Four implications are indicated, including that distinctions between gifted and nongifted children can be made at the end of the concrete operational level (about 8-10 years old). (CL)

A rationale for the multidimensional approach to giftedness is presented, and creativity in the multidimensional model is examined. Several conclusions about the assessment of creative talent are made, along with thirteen specific recommendations. Some continuing problems in the area are discussed, along with needed research. (DLS)

Four creativity self-identification measures are reviewed: GIFT (Group Inventory for Finding Creative Talent); GIFFI1 and GIFFI2 (Group Inventory for Finding Interests); and PRIDE (Preschool Interest Descriptor). The characteristics approach as measured by self-report and parent-report inventories is seen as effective and efficient. (CL)

The authors suggest the need for conceptual shifts in the identification and definition of gifted children. They foresee a change toward broadened assessment of cognitive and affective development. Among recommended service options are advance placement classes, early admission, curricular comprehension, work study programs, and supervised…

The second article in a three-part series focuses on the GIFTS Identification Instrument for selecting talented children in six areas: convergent thinking and behavior, divergent/creative thinking and behavior, goal-related thinking and behavior, social skills and behavior, physical skills and behavior, and affective thinking and behavior. (SBH)

To identify gifted preschool children, parents and teachers need to be aware of some of the characteristics that these children possess. Gifted preschool children may have verbal and mathematical abilities that are advanced beyond their years, show creativity and imagination, and have an excellent memory. They exhibit a high level of curiosity,…

A training exercise is presented to help teachers become familiar with key concepts in the Scales for Rating Behavioral Characteristics of Superior Students. Activities suggested include matching concepts with items from the scales and categorizing children's behaviors according to the scales. (CL)

Standardized music aptitude and achievement tests are reviewed, and the importance of early identification of musically talented children is stressed. An identification matrix is presented along with information on availability of 15 tests. (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 paper presents basic information about gifted underachievers (UAGs). Terms such as "potential" and "underachievement" are defined and identification processes considered (parents' and teachers' roles are defined, and typical characteristics of UAGs noted). Causes of underachievement in gifted students are considered, including motivational…

The paper provides an overview of discriminant analysis and illustrates how this technique can maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of procedures for identifying intellectually gifted students. (Author/CL)