Describes a humanistic, child-oriented science program for gifted students. Stresses open structure, varied learning styles, and experimentation. (MA)

That elite portion of candidates--the ones with brains, talent, and ambition--are a valuable asset for a company only when they can be successfully hired and utilized. This article tells how. (Author)

This study investigated the perceived value (after several years) of a year-long independent study/mentorship course provided to 90 gifted high school students. Respondents reported that the course had improved their self-esteem; that the mentor was a significant influence and helped in "real life" learning; and that the course helped in career…

Documents the activities, resources, and relationships available to three gifted urban elementary public school children living in poverty and describes their adjustment at home and at school over a three-year period. Despite their mothers' active involvement in their education, the children experienced limited academic opportunities. (CR)

All students have strengths that should be identified and fostered. Some children are outstanding and would be stultified by the standard curriculum. Gifted kids are precocious, march to different drummers, and are obsessively interested in certain subjects. They can be introverted, fiercely independent, and emotionally vulnerable. Advanced…

A study investigated the academic and social development of 25 Canadian gifted students (ages 12-14) in a congregated class at a Catholic high school. Results found the students enjoyed being educated with their gifted peers and valued the competition. The effects of the class on the students' self-esteem are also discussed. (Author/CR)

Discusses challenges facing gifted girls at all levels of education, including social pressures not to appear gifted. Identifies school factors that negatively impact their education, and provides school strategies for helping gifted girls succeed, including support groups, counseling, and calling on girls in class. (CR)

Three case studies illustrate problems in the identification of gifted students when tests are not used appropriately. The paper concludes that testing must occur within the context of intensive observations of and discussions with the child and family. The importance of all teachers receiving training in gifted education is stressed. (DB)

The perceived relationship between marriage and achievement among 167 women graduates (ages 45-65) of the University of Michigan was analyzed. Women believed they had high potential for achievement because of perceived spousal commitment to shared family goals and domestic chores, whereas women with less or no support reported achievement was…

This article offers strategies for implementing a process approach to teaching written composition, emphasizing prewriting, writing, and rewriting. Discussion of three functions of writing, including expressive writing, transactional writing, and poetic writing, is included. Writing process principles are linked to gifted education principles to…

Australian Aboriginal adults (n=74) and children (n=103) were interviewed regarding their perspectives on giftedness. Aboriginal culture was found to view giftedness as a consequence of individual ability, commitment, and environmental factors. Research is reported on the specific talents valued by the Aboriginal culture. Suggestions are given for…

Citations (n=675) regarding classroom practices in journals dedicated to gifted education from 1989 to 1996 were reviewed. Only five percent of the identified references addressed issues of demonstrated effectiveness with acceptable research standards. Most of these focused on specific instructional strategies and program models that were found to…

This paper describes a year-long staff development program to improve the evaluation skills of 77 district program coordinators. Results suggest that training, based on the Purdue Three-Stage Model, was effective in helping coordinators become more skilled program evaluators. Implications for program evaluation, personnel development, and outcomes…

A history of the development of standards for gifted education personnel preparation at the graduate level is presented, including the role of the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC). Symposia to develop professional standards for graduate programs in gifted education are described, as is their relationship to the standards of the…

Examines six sets of data on giftedness and creativity, finding little evidence for the belief that creativity in adults is mirrored in children. Questions whether children are creative, and whether creativity can be taught. Discusses creation of transitional objects; gaps, novelty, curiosity, and exploration; puberty as a developmental marker;…