Describes an environmental-science program for talented, rural, middle school students including the background, rationales, and collaboration that made the program possible. Positive results related to the effects of this program on student involvement, follow-up, and product development over eight program years are reported. (Author/CR)

Seven career-development and occupational decision-making difficulties experienced by academically gifted students include narrowing the choice, indecision, vocational-identity formation, lack of occupational meaningfulness, early occupational choice, pressure from significant others, and the need for role models. Difficulties are discussed within…

Discusses why gifted girls are at risk for emotional instability due to the mixed social messages they receive, the lack of mental-health services for gifted girls, and their need for specialized counseling. Urges mental-health professionals to consult with professionals in gifted education to provide appropriate services. (CR)

Using an excerpt from one of Plato's early dialogs, this article examines the distinction between knowledge and opinion. It urges teachers to invite gifted students to reflect on this distinction to make the students more receptive to all levels and types of experiences and to maximize their knowledge in as many subjects as possible. (CR)

Reports results of a survey of states concerning state provisions for mediation to settle disputes in gifted education. It finds that 21 states have such provisions at either the state level or as a local option. Advocates for gifted education are urged to publicize the availability of mediation services and encourage staff development in its use.…

This article summarizes the reasons for the underachievement of gifted girls and presents an overview of the programs and strategies recommended and in some cases, implemented, which aim to prevent and/or rectify gifted female underachievement. Early intervention, parental involvement and teacher education are emphasized. (Contains references.)…

How can high schools counteract deterrents to achievement that disadvantaged students face? "Project P-BLISS: Problem-Based Learning in the Social Sciences" presents "hidden" disadvantaged gifted students with a curriculum that first captures their interest and challenges them to realize their true potential. (MLH)

Discusses possible reasons for U.S. gifted students' underachievement on the Third International Mathematics and Science Study. Homework, class time, and television viewing are similar elsewhere. Previous learning, negative reform effects, middle-school practices, nonrigorous coursework, curriculum deficiencies, and stress on potential over…

This article describes the way one Colorado comprehensive high school attempts to meet the needs of highly gifted students, noting features such as the principal's awareness of and commitment to gifted and talented students, staff development of counselors and teachers, and academic and affective support for students. (DB)

The Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale was used to investigate the self-concept of 368 intellectually gifted children (grades 4-12). Significant gender differences were observed on three subscales: (1) behavior; (2) intellectual and school status; and (3) anxiety. Students in junior high school reported lower self-concept than did students…

A case study investigated the research processes and authentic learning experiences of 10 junior high students as they completed independent research projects. Students experienced the most difficulty in exploring and forming a focus. Only three students demonstrated all of the characteristics of authentic learning in their final products.…

Learning style preferences of 1,554 students (ages 8-17) identified as gifted and nongifted were measured. Gifted students displayed a stronger preference for imaginative styles, while nongifted children displayed a stronger preference for practical styles. Compared with gifted boys, gifted girls were more likely to prefer imaginative styles.…

This article argues that the commonly asserted belief in a dichotomy between healthy and dysfunctional perfectionism is based on a misunderstanding of the nature of perfectionism. Perfectionism is discussed as an interpersonal and intersubjective phenomenon, involving the perfectionist's experience of other people's expectations and judgments.…

Describes the physical education curriculum for gifted students at the Center for Creative Learning (Missouri). Emphasis is on integration of "body and brain" learning activities in an interdisciplinary thematic format. Examples of the authentic skills emphasized in the kinesthetic curriculum are offered as are ideas for coordination…

Describes how a group of gifted primary-school children in New Zealand explored the Internet in a workshop project organized around solving the mystery of what happened to the Titanic. Insets include the student "contract," a listing of Web sites, and the evaluation instrument. (DB)