Forty-nine state superintendents of public instruction responded to the sixth biannual assessment of U.S. gifted/talented education programs. The questionnaire addressed the following topics: certification requirements for teachers, state funding, impact of tax limitation measures, state guidelines for gifted/talented programs, student selection…

The teaching of Latin to verbally precocious students enhances their vocabulary and linguistic competence in English and prepares them for study of other foreign languages. The ideal curriculum would feature: instruction from fourth through twelfth grade; teachers experienced in teaching Latin and gifted students; and intensive language programs.…

Analysis of responses of gifted students (N=220) at a university laboratory high school to a questionnaire about the school library indicated that students frequently used the library for informational and recreational materials; were generally satisfied with library materials; and were avid readers tending to view less television than nongifted…

A survey of 129 institutions offering graduate programs in gifted education found: a wide variety of admission requirements; common emphases on research, psychological needs, creative studies, and curriculum development; existence of resource centers for many institutions; and concerns about teacher certification and professional and inservice…

A curriculum model is presented for stimulating wide interests at the elementary level, to develop a student pool that would sustain a nationwide residential high school for the gifted. The model presents 16 conceptual schemes for developing curricula in social sciences, humanities and sciences. (Author/KM)

This discussion among seven experts in gifted education covers: (1) curriculum and formal/informal instruction; (2) social climate; (3) teacher characteristics; and (4) identification of gifted students for a special high school in Israel. (Author/KM)

Gifted/talented junior high students in a special art program made self-portraits which incorporated both their physical appearance and their personalities, interests, and feelings. To make the students feel more comfortable with the project, photographic accuracy was deemphasized, and an interpretive narrative portrait was stressed. (JDD)

Describes a three-week summer course for academically talented high school students which explored the integers and some classical topics from number theory. (PK)

Describes a successful two-week summer program for children in grades four through six of above average ability. Discusses the purposes and syllabus for the program. Provides a summary of a typical daily agenda and discusses events that occurred during the two-week period. (CW)

The social/emotional impact of a gifted pullout program (grades 3-5) on participants (N=301) was evaluated through surveys administered to gifted and non-gifted students, staff, and parents. Elitism, social interactions, and peer/teacher expectations were examined. Results suggested either a neutral or supportive effect on program participants.…

Analysis of insights of parents of gifted adolescent boys (N=8) who committed suicide found retrospective clues for potential suicide such as: lack of recognition/acceptance of individuality; effects of competition on self-esteem; lack of coping skills; and suicidal behavior of friends. (CB)

Sex role conflicts, multiple interests and abilities, and the lack of same-sex role models can create formidable obstacles to gifted girls in achieving their occupational potential. Values clarification, exposure to women who successfully combine two roles, and mentorship programs help to address the career development of these students. (CB)

The attitudes of teachers, counselors, administrators, parents, and students must be changed to encourage gifted urban minority students to achieve their academic potential. Teachers, in particular, must recognize how they can help these students by maintaining contact with parents, encouraging students, and making them aware of opportunities.…

A grant-funded program to use computers to develop thinking skills in gifted sixth- and seventh-grade students is described. Students learn to apply different types of thinking, use different types of software, and develop their own programs and programs for teachers in other classes. (PGD)

The questionnaire responses of 24 markedly accelerated young students at the University of Washington were compared with those of 24 regular-aged university students, 23 National Merit Scholors, and 27 students who had qualified for acceleration but instead elected to participate in high school. Accelerants appeared as well adjusted as all…