A Better Chance, Inc. (ABC) is a national academic talent search agency that identifies gifted minority children and provides them with college preparatory education. ABC uses multiple assessment techniques, including objective factors such as scores on the Secondary School Admission Test, and subjective factors, such as an independent mind and a…

A longitudinal study of 118 high ability Budapest children (ages 12-14) investigated family influences on child development. Three case studies are described that illustrate the differences in the sensitivity with which the parents recognized the various demands of their able children and how they responded to them. (Contains nine references.) (CR)

This article presents an overview of the intermediate to advanced phases of musical talent development which usually coincide with secondary school. The role of the parent, private teacher, and practice are discussed, as well as the dilemmas facing the musical teenager and recommendations for talent development in secondary schools. (Contains…

Investigates the effects of conducting instruction on beginning band students' individual rhythmic performance, group rhythmic performance, group performance of legato and staccato, and group performance of phrasing and dynamics. The students represented diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Concludes the conducting instruction is a useful tool…

Musicality is a loosely used term with many meanings. It can be applied to a small child who chants a nursery rhyme, or to a harmonica player who plays by ear, or to a conductor like Toscanini. Some educators and philosophers believe that musicality is manifested in the technical achievements of musicians. Others believe that technique is…

This proceedings contains summaries of 24 conference papers focusing on new directions in gifted education. Each paper's summary is about four pages in length. Papers have the following titles and authors: "Supporting Giftedness in Girls in the Classroom" (Julia Ellis); "A Community of Learners in ECS" (Anne Green);…

Although performance on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and the American College Test Program (ACT) indicates that Wisconsin's students are superior to those of other states, a more thorough assessment reveals that the state does not compare well with its neighbors either on the general level of academic preparedness or in efforts to develop…

This collection of papers for school personnel and families who deal with gifted and talented children addresses teaching and counseling strategies as well as the role of the family in educating these children. "Instructional Strategies for the Gifted and Talented," by Donna Rae Clasen, emphasizes questioning as an instructional strategy. "Using…

Crystallizing experiences are defined as those which involve remarkable and memorable contact between a person with unusual talent, or potential, and the materials of the field in which the talent will be manifested. Several biographies of talented people in several disciplines including music, mathematics, and visual arts are discussed. Examples…

Models developed in various countries to meet the dual needs for education and training of the highly talented young athlete are examined. It is the policy in socialist countries to bring together the best available resources in young sports talent, coaches, and facilities. Programs are structured to ensure that the youngsters who attend the…

This teaching guide suggests practical ideas for encouraging reading talent in preschool children. It is part of a series of similar guides developed by the RAPYHT Project (Retrieval and Acceleration of Promising Young Handicapped and Talented) for educating young gifted/talented handicapped children and gifted children with no handicaps. The…

This teaching guide suggests practical ideas for encouraging psychomotoric talent in preschool children. It is part of a series of similar guides developed by the RAPYHT Project (Retrieval and Acceleration of Promising Young Handicapped and Talented) for educating young gifted/talented handicapped children and gifted children with no handicaps. An…

Not nearly enough money is going into the identification and development of gifted and talented children. Policy is more concerned with eliminating inequity than developing talent. A strong belief in equal treatment and opportunity has been translated into special education efforts for children in crisis, but not for children with special gifts.…

Studies of the effect of environmental stimulation on an individual's development in either general or specific ability conclude that some specific stimulation should be introduced at an early age while a child is still malleable. An intense, persistent, and regular tutorial approach within the family encourages the development of a special talent…

This book is the report of a conference at the University of Chicago to discuss the central question: "What are the characteristics of an ideal urban school?" The conference coincided with the passage of relevant "Model Cities" legislation, which was also discussed in the meetings. The first chapter describes educational…