A retrospective study of the adolescent experience of 18 gay, lesbian, or bisexual young adults with high ability, using a postpositivistic mode of inquiry, found significant themes of danger, isolation, depression, and suicidal ideation, together with high achievement and extreme involvement in activities. Suggestions for educators are discussed.…

Describes the experiences of four veteran teachers who came to teach in a residential high school for gifted adolescents and participated in peer coaching, study groups, and mentoring. This faculty development exposed them to advanced content and higher order thinking strategies, which were the very same skills they were encouraged to use to…

This reprint of an article on how one rural school district was able to use effectively a variety of acceleration strategies in different elementary schools is preceded by a commentary that stresses that the form of programming is less crucial than the training and attitude of the participating teachers. (Contains 3 references.) (CR)

This article discusses the incidence of depression and signs of depression in gifted children, including perfectionism, emotional sensitivity, existential depression, and a history of depression in the family. A list of questions to consider regarding possible signs of depression in children is provided. (Contains references.) (CR)

This article reviews some current principles of brain research, including the idea that intelligence and its nurture is no longer restricted to the linear, rational cognitive function, but includes the integration of the cognitive (linear and spatial), emotional-social, physical, and intuitive. The principles of teaching and learning supported by…

This study used data from the National Education Longitudinal Study to examine gender differences between high-achieving students in math and science with respect to their achievement, self-concept, locus of control, number of math and science courses taken, and the people who influenced their decisions to enroll in advanced courses in high…

Presents brief descriptions of 24 books that are likely to interest gifted readers in the middle grades. Notes that such literature can serve to bolster their overall development and also enhance appropriate self-advocacy for their talents. (SR)

A study investigated effects of particular units of study on gifted elementary and middle school learners (n=2,189). The use of an integrated literature and writing unit produced significant gains for gifted learners in key aspects of language arts as assessed by demonstration of high-level thinking on performance-based measures. (Contains…

This article contains excerpts from "Feminist Theory from Margin to Center" (Hooks, 1984) to introduce gifted students to the concept of oppression in order to enable them to recognize and appreciate both the importance and the limits of purely sexist oppression. Discussion questions on oppression are provided. (Contains 2 references.)…

Attribution retraining was conducted with 82 German 8th grade girls as part of feedback provided by trained teachers in the students' first physics course. In comparison with controls, attribution retraining significantly improved students' performance in physics. Training also had favorable effects on the motivation sets and self-related…

This article highlights the importance of the introduction of gifted education. It discusses development of the concept of giftedness, and the theory practice relationship. Guidelines are presented regarding the process of formulating and applying policies pertaining to gifted education, including: look for assumptions, check for consistency, and…

This article presents a matchmaking management strategy and guidelines from a school- and university-based mentoring program. Two community-based mentor projects implemented by the Wisconsin Center for Academically Talented Youth are shared. Student reports from the program demonstrate that the long-term benefits to gifted students are…

This article presents a brief history of the transition of the federal definition for students who are gifted and talented, as well as a description of other definitions that have affected state definitions. A review of state definitions in 1990 and 1998 indicates that 29 states have modified their definition. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Gifted students, particularly nonathletes or introverts, may suffer feelings of alienation and isolation in school. Geeks and nerds do not hate people, but abhor a school culture that glorifies athletics. Lack of respect for bright nonconformists can lead to emotional problems and underachievement. (MLH)

Findings are presented of a gifted identification assessment at the second-grade level (n=600) founded on the principles of Gardner's Multiple Intelligences theory. Positive relations were evident among scores for different types of intelligences and the traditional measure. The Problem Solving Assessment procedure resulted in a more diverse…