A study of 38 letters of finding examined the involvement of the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in gifted education from 1992-95. Results indicate a majority of complaints handled by OCR involved minority access to gifted programs and an increase in the complaints involving gifted students with disabilities. (CR)

A phenomenological interview process in two stages was employed to elicit the life stories of six academically gifted college students. Participants' stories were edited with themes identified and interpreted by the researcher. A sample life history of a high achieving female college senior is provided. Commentary by the researcher focuses on the…

Describes across disciplines in the culture, literature, science, art, and music of the Renaissance. The program featured student exhibits, performances, projects, and demonstrations and a visit by a professional actor posing as William Shakespeare. (DB)

Explores the use of simulations as a teaching method for gifted students. Identifies positive effects of simulations and distinguishes different types. Notes disadvantages related to time, money, and experience as are unique features of the teacher's role in this approach to instruction. Lists guidelines for choosing a model and deciding on a…

A study involving 62 gifted students (grades 6-8) found many low-achievers (n=16) showed a strong need for tactile and kinesthetic modalities; intake of food, drinks, or both; sound in the learning environment; informal seating design; and dim lighting. The low achievers did not perceive themselves to be persistent. (Contains references.)…

A study investigated the beliefs and experiences of 18 females identified as athletically talented. Results found participants did not perceive themselves as significantly talented or special in any way. However, the participants enjoyed being athletically talented and would not wish to be different. Positive aspects included increased confidence…

A study involving 215 Chinese junior secondary school students in Hong Kong found divergent thinking had a notable influence on specific psychological symptoms. Students' concerns with interpersonal relationships, as well as ability recognition, and concerns for being different emerged as the most important adjustment problems predicting specific…

Three master's degree programs for American Indian administrators and teachers of gifted students are described. Indian education and leadership theories and issues are integrated into the courses. Each program has a large enough cohort of Indian students to allow them to form their own communities within the larger university environment,…

A study investigated critical incidents in the professional and personal lives of 11 gifted Finnish female scientists. All made important life choices that promoted their talent and career development. The majority have also made some compromises related to their scientific interests and careers, as well as personal compromises. (Contains…

A survey of 159 non-applicants to the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science indicates that students were confident in their ability to meet admission requirements. However, students were unwilling to leave home 2 years earlier than usual and reluctant to abandon a variety of athletic and associated extracurricular activities. Recruitment…

This article illustrates the use of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to explicate constructs underlying performance assessment tasks based on Gardner's (1993) theory of multiple intelligences. Data from Plucker, Callahan, and Tomchin (1996) were reanalyzed using CFA. A model with three factors that combined linguistic and interpersonal…

This article discusses how one middle school social studies teacher balances differentiated instruction, best practices, and state-mandated accountability. Recommendations include: begin with the end in mind; teach conceptually; think of the standards as providing useful scaffolding; limit and differentiate test-taking strategies; and let data…

This study investigated students' mathematics achievement, estimation ability, use of estimation strategies, and academic self-perception with 135 students (n=135) in grades 4, 6, or 8, either with learning disabilities (LD), average achievers, or intellectually gifted. Students with LD differed significantly from average achievers in their use of…

This article offers the following advice for parents of gifted students who wish to home school: have patience with the children and with yourself; practice the arts of home schooling and parenting; and persist in the face of complexity. Parents are urged to be flexible in accommodating changing learning style preferences. (Contains 2 references.)…

This article discusses the negative effects of criticizing a child's teacher in front of the child and the positive effects of modeling a healthy respect of the educational system. Study findings are discussed which indicate high-achieving children saw themselves as active partners with their teachers or coaches, not empty vessels. (Contains 6…