The effects of a summer program on self-concept scores of 139 gifted students in grades 4 to 8 were examined. Results indicated that regular and special program students did not differ significantly in self-concept; existing gender differences in self-concept were attenuated upon program completion; and self-concept was unrelated to grade.…

A case study is presented of a science class for 10 underachieving gifted intermediate grade students. The paper describes how a focus on overcoming underachievement might conflict with the need for active, hands-on science activities. Suggestions are offered for integrating the goals of raising self-concept while developing skills of inquiry and…

Ninety-three students in a high school alternative learning center for disruptive, disaffected youth were assessed on potential giftedness and talent. Based on the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test, the IBRIC Biographical Inventory, and nominations by teachers and peers, eight students (8 percent) were identified as potentially gifted and talented.…

Unpopular students in grades 5-11 were compared with average and popular students among 319 high ability students. Unpopular students were distinguished by lower social self-concept, lower academic self-esteem, and less prestigious paternal occupations. Unpopular students were not found to be academically less capable, less mature, or more…

Physical and medical correlates of mathematical giftedness were studied in gifted (497 males and 508 females) and environmentally privileged (high socioeconomic status) (647 males and 485 females) tenth graders. Medical and physical well-being appears more highly associated with mathematical giftedness than with socioeconomic privileges. (SLD)

Three studies involving a total of 918 students of above average ability in grades 3 through 8 confirm the importance of self-efficacy in students' decisions to initiate creative productivity and reinforce the value of performance accomplishments for increasing self-efficacy and creative productivity. (SLD)

Fifty low income minority gifted high school sophomores were compared to 42 higher income Asian and Caucasian gifted sophomores on college and career counseling needs. Results showed many intergroup similarities in motivation, career planning interest, and knowledge about college issues. Data suggest, however, some different college and career…

The patterns of adaptive behavior in gifted and nongifted children (n=296, ages 2-16) were compared using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale. Results indicated a significant difference between gifted and nongifted groups in communication, social skills, and daily living skills, but not in motor skill development. (Author/JDD)

The instruction offered to 68 potentially gifted preschool and primary grade students participating in a summer institute was complemented by a learning component for their parents. A common and differentiated curriculum was developed for Anglo and Hispanic parents based on their expressed expectations regarding child development. (Author/JDD)

The coordinator of a summer residential enrichment program for gifted Indian students reports their thoughts on Indian identity and peer and family pressures to suppress their abilities. Students outlined educational problems and solutions related to racial prejudice, high Indian dropout rates, few Indians in higher education, and high…

This study found that 27 Chinese teachers' perceptions of 196 elementary students nominated as learning disabled or educable mentally retarded (based on identifying characteristics used in the United States) were significantly less favorable than ratings of students nominated as average or gifted. Discriminant analysis yielded 72.19 percent…

The Javits 7+ Gifted and Talented Program (Community School District 18, Brooklyn, New York) was designed to provide an opportunity for socioeconomically disadvantaged children to receive intensive school-based activities that would prepare them for gifted education programs. Teachers assessed students using Howard Gardner's concept of multiple…

Gifted girls (ages 10-12) in Western Australia participated in a gender issues course to promote self-esteem and gender identity, challenge traditional beliefs, and raise political awareness of antisexism. The course focused on expression of shared experiences; the Greek myth of Pandora; stereotypes in television programs, literature, and greeting…

Two applications of interdisciplinary problem-based learning at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy are described. In one application, seniors investigate dilemmas resulting from modern advances in science and technology; in the other sophomores study the critical decisions which drove American development. Evidence of program…

Five questions about the academic, psychological, and socialization effects on gifted and talented learners of grouping for enrichment, of cooperative grouping for regular instruction, and of grouping for acceleration are addressed. Analysis of 13 research syntheses supports sustained periods of instruction in like-ability groups for gifted and…