This article describes current attempts and steps to expand both services and research about gifted education and talent development programs and educational opportunities for academically talented students in Italy. The laws, procedures, and policies that have been essential to this process are described, as is the outcome, which is the…

Changing demographics in schools around the world have raised questions about the nature and role of gifted education programs. An intense interest in the underrepresentation of students from low-income families and minority groups in gifted education programs has caused the field to re-examine both identification and services. In this article,…

The author replies to criticism of his Revolving Door Identification Model by citing his critics' methodological problems and their misunderstanding of his definition of giftedness. (CL)

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)

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)

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…

Reasons for the inadequacy of IQ test cutoff scores in identifying giftedness are presented, and recommendations are made for necessary improvements in local, state, or national guidelines, policies, and procedures. (Author/CL)

Discriminant function analyses with 1,121 traditionally selected and expanded criteria gifted students (grades 1 through 8) using the Revolving Door Identification and Placement Model revealed that the most discriminating variable of group membership was class rank. For Ss in grades 1 through 3 or 4 through 6 academic self-concept was the second…

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)

In response to a critique (EC 231 995) of the research bases of his three-ring conception of giftedness, the author notes selectivity and bias in the critic's methodology, raises larger issues (such as equity) underlying identification and programing for the gifted, and discusses the role of theory and the need for action. (DB)

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)

Modifications to the original three-ring conception of giftedness include shifting emphasis from "being gifted" to the development of gifted behaviors, labeling services rather than students, and changes in state guidelines. The author presents a six-step identification system designed to translate the three-ring conception into a practical set of…