This study of 145 middle class first grade students investigated whether a relationship exists between early acquisition of Piagetian conservation tasks and gifted performance on a mental abilities test. Students were evaluated individually on tasks involving the conservation of number, of liquid quantity, and of mass. A moderate correlation was…

This digest offers guidelines in providing challenging reading opportunities for gifted students. Research findings concerning the characteristics of the gifted child as reader (e.g., they read earlier, better and more) are noted. Specific needs of gifted learners can be met by: using literature as a supplement to the readings in basal texts;…

The volume describes 26 innovative and exemplary projects, programs, and activities designed for limited English speaking students, students with handicaps, and students with special gifts and talents in grades K through 6. The projects have been implemented with personnel from former projects that were phased out in 1981. Information on the 26…

"The Topic Is Sandy Hook" is an experiential 10-week program designed to provide special opportunities and educational experiences for 6th to 10th grade gifted and talented students. Sandy Hook, a natural resource in Monmouth County, New Jersey, is unique in its physical and historical features and provides an exceptionally rich environment in…

Even for gifted students, the writing process resulting in an effective composition is a complex one, often overlooked in gifted education. The process begins with expressive writing, wherein the writer explores ideas and tries to find a focus. Subsets in the writing process include inventing, gathering outside materials, drafting, and revising…

Focusing on the teaching of reading to children with special needs, this bibliography includes citations with brief annotations on such aspects as spelling, cloze procedure, language acquisition, and remedial reading instruction. The annotations are divided into the following sections: (1) general; (2) English as a second language (ESL)--bilingual…

Learning, motivational, creative, and leadership characteristics of very able pupils are listed prior to a discussion of aspects of programs available for gifted children in Australia, where the education of the gifted has not developed as an area of specialization within education. Early in the discussion, specific attention is given to research…

Compared were gender differences among Asian and Caucasian high school students enrolled in advanced science and mathematics research classes. Two explanations for the large gender differences among scientists, mathematicians, and engineers are discussed: (1) females elect fewer advanced science and mathematics courses in high school and college,…

In response to a serious shortage of chemists in South Africa, gifted secondary school students are enrolled in an enrichment program in organic chemistry and encouraged to consider chemistry or one of its related fields as a career. The introductory portion of the program involves approximately 90 hours over a 3-year period while the advanced…

The manual was developed as part of the Gifted Curriculum Project, an effort to improve gifted education in Radford (Virginia) and Giles County (Virginia) schools. The manual contains modifications which elementary teachers can use as models in designing appropriate activities for gifted elementary students. The introduction explains the four…

Focusing on appropriate methods and criteria for identifying giftedness in elementary visual arts students, the study consists primarily of an annotated bibliography divided into three sections: childhood visual art development (9 entries); selected identification procedures and instruments (25 entries); and identification techniques in the…

The study examined issues involved in nondiscriminatory assessment and special education placement of Hispanic exceptional students. Literature is reviewed on three aspects: proportionate representation of Hispanic students in special and gifted placements, assessment procedures used (specifically, modifications and alternatives in testing), and…

The book is intended to help policymakers understand issues involved in gifted and talented education. Initial chapters review the state of the art in state and federal policies toward education of gifted and talented students and outline steps in decisionmaking regarding policy development (determining the framework, making basic decisions,…

Active research can be one area of enrichment in which counselors may gain personal growth, self-discipline, and personal development. The developer of the research project also gains in knowledge and practice in the specific areas of information retrieval systems. The counselor becomes aware of the methodology used in the preparation of a…

This paper examines the cognitive structures and processes that mediate mathematical and scientific ability. Ability is divided into achieved abilities and precursor abilities. Identified concepts in the area of achieved ability include expertise, understanding, and problem-solving. Other abilities can be seen as precursors to such achieved…