Describes a one-year course to develop students' research skills at the Arkansas School for Mathematics and Science. The course offers a combination of rigorous content (optics and optical instrumentation), interdisciplinary curriculum, and hands-on experiences in meaningful, nontraditional learning in real-life research settings. (Author/DB)

Describes an alternative, multicomponent assessment model that increases the probability of early identification of at-risk children who demonstrate the potential to be gifted. The model combines the use of traditional intelligence tests with nontraditional assessment strategies, including behavioral observations and curriculum-based assessment.…

A study of 154 Head Start children with high academic achievement found that their families reported higher educational and income levels, had fewer children, were more likely to be Caucasian, reported less prolonged depression, and had more responsive, flexible, and less restrictive parenting practices than other Head Start children. (Author/CR)

A review of the research on the talent-search identification protocol of gifted students finds talent-search scores on Scholastic Assessment Tests at the junior-high level are valid indicators of students who can succeed in courses that are accelerated in terms of content and learning pace. Effects may be especially positive for academically…

Describes factors affecting the life-span achievement of 15 highly accomplished African-American women. Participants perceived that civil-rights and affirmative-action polices opened doors if they were already qualified. Findings suggest cultural strengths plus high ability enabled simultaneous acknowledgment of discrimination and application of…

This study followed up teachers two years after they had attended a summer institute on gifted education to identify changes teachers made in their classrooms. It identified factors that either supported (student success, personal challenge, and increasing self confidence) or impeded (feelings of isolation, school bureaucracy, large class size,…

A commentary precedes this previously published essay that argues the excellence-equity debate requires policymakers to consider mainstreaming the gifted. It is noted in the commentary that McDaniel seems to have anticipated the current interest in push-in, as opposed to pull-out models for gifted education, and use of curriculum differentiation…

This reprint of an article on how students who enter college early perform academically and socially is preceded by a commentary that discusses the need to provide gifted students with the option of entering college early because of the lack of college-level courses at the high school level. (Contains references.) (CR)

This article summarizes research findings related to the characteristics, identification, and programming for gifted students with learning disabilities. It also presents data from 2 projects that examined the identification and characteristics of this population. Research-generated recommendations are provided and the need for a continuum of…

This article reviews research regarding gifted students with disabilities who underachieve. Educators are urged to determine whether underachievement stems from more serious physical, cognitive, or emotional issues, a mismatch between the student and environment, or a personal characteristic, and develop intervention strategies specifically…

This article reviews the use of video therapy as a strategy to address social and emotional needs of gifted children and suggests sources and activities. A list of films is included that address behavior problems, disability, African American issues, social/emotional issues, gifted females, performing arts, and the process of talent development.…

A comparison between performance-based DISCOVER (Discovering Intellectual Strengths and Capabilities through Observation while allowing for Varied Ethnic Responses) assessment reports and two independent ratings in appraising 24 kindergartners' multiple intelligences through specific activities found that when intelligences were assessed through…

Gifted elementary students from four rural school districts in northwest Wisconsin meet weekly in combined classes for instruction. Nontraditional methods are used to identify participants, local artists teach the sessions, expenses and expertise are shared by the districts, and students can interact with like-minded peers from other districts.…

Describes the challenges of including 22 students with wide-ranging abilities into one third grade classroom, focusing on class projects and units; support systems for special needs students; math, reading, and writing activities; use of multiple intelligences; and the benefits inclusion (e.g., having two adults in the room, role models for…

A study investigated the efficacy of specific interventions (mentoring, parental involvement, and multicultural curricula) on academic achievement of 273 elementary students from low-socioeconomic environments. The interventions had no statistically significant effect on student achievement in any grade. However, by the end of the program,…