Most of the school districts in Washington State are small, rural, and contain a low percentage of minorities. However, the Hispanic student population has increased from 3.9 percent in 1985-86 to 6 percent in 1991-92, mostly due to migrant students. The percentage of other minority students has remained relatively stable. Consequently, there is…

This paper on early college entrance for gifted high-school students considers the advantages of early college entrance, the willingness of colleges and universities to accept early entrants, special programs developed to assist early entrants, and potential difficulties with early entrance. Guidelines are presented for maximizing the chances of…

Using a naturalistic inquiry approach and case study methodology, an ongoing case study examined within-family developmental factors among families with an identified gifted preschooler and at least one sibling with either a different type of giftedness or not identified as gifted. Data were collected through interviews, records, and familial…

This paper reviews Lev Vygotsky's theories concerning optimizing of potential through assistance, support, or instruction. The paper notes that there is a "zone of proximal development" or a band around intelligence quotient (IQ) scores reflecting one's true potential. IQ tests are generally well-standardized and "static,"…

This digest offers tips for both new and experienced users of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) database. It describes ERIC as a federally funded, nationwide information network providing access to papers, curriculum and teaching guides, conference proceedings, literature reviews, curricular materials, and journal articles in the…

The Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test and the Slosson Intelligence Test-Revised were administered in counterbalanced order to a sample of 32 school identified gifted and talented students (18 males and 14 females). Mean age was 11 years, 3 months. The K-BIT IQ Composite and SIT-R Total Standard Score produced a correlation of .61 (p < .001).…

This paper discusses the results of a study that investigated whether there are any significant differences in political leadership potential and willingness to lead among three groups of Singapore students from the Gifted Education Program (GEP) (n=86), the best Express Stream class (n=74), and the weakest Express Stream class (n=61). Data were…

This brief paper offers guidelines on recognizing giftedness in young children based on a study of the developmental characteristics of 77 gifted and average children as reported in parent questionnaires. The questionnaire asked parents to describe their children's development during the first 36 months. Major findings indicated that: parents of…

Guidelines are offered to ensure a stimulating and challenging learning environment for gifted learners. Curriculum modifications are suggested in the areas of: (1) content (complexity, abstractness, and variety; organization; purpose and choice; interaction with peers; focus on issues, themes, or questions; and role of methodologist,…

This curriculum guide begins with classroom and text study of plants and develops into an individual research project that continues throughout the school year outside the regular biology or botany teaching plan and text. The project uses about one class period every 2 weeks for group discussions, evaluations, and suggestions for the individual…

This report describes the strategies, accomplishments, and outcomes of a project designed to identify intermediate level disadvantaged rural gifted children and develop curriculum practices appropriate for their use. Project objectives are outlined, along with evidence of their accomplishment. Findings of the project include: (1) the…

This document outlines principles of learning that should be followed by teachers of gifted students. Principles include: (1) students' need to experience challenge in the classroom; (2) students' need to attain as much as individual abilities permit; (3) curricular emphasis on students' personal interests; (4) meaningful experiences; (5)…

A program in which community volunteers act as "mentors" for gifted children by conducting independent study projects is described. Working individually with students, mentors supplement the resource room teacher's direction by providing personal support as well as guidance in the use of research techniques and facilities. Other…

Computer awareness and literacy programs for gifted and talented high school students were developed at two Washington City Schools (North Carolina). At Carteret High School, a variety of computer programs were purchased for biology and physics studies, trigonometry and algebra studies, aptitude and merit exam preparation, basic skills math…

The author asserts that if our young people are to have opportunities to develop their many talents and if our colleges and universities are to attract and hold the ablest students and faculty, then some provision for honors learning is essential. He proposes that institutions promote honors programs, a step toward educational quality. (Editor/JT)