The article reviews the recent literature on the personality attributes and self-perceptions of the gifted, and the attitudes and perceptions held about them. Among the conclusions are that the gifted appear to have higher self-esteem than others, and that gifted students are more popular with their peers than others. (Author/DLS)

Using 103 adult art students, this study sought to develop a theoretical model for identifying those gifted in art, based on the hypothesis that cognitive complexity, executive skill in drawing, and affective intensity correlate significantly with behaviors consistent with artistic success. Results confirmed the importance and measurability of…

Describes the Talent Bank office at Edison Community College (Florida) which provides students with more contact with persons who have enjoyed successful careers, and affords retired and active professionals an innovative forum for sharing their experience. (AYC)

Sample activities for gifted children to develop futuristic leadership skills and a model for developing leaders through future-aimed instruction are presented. (PHR)

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

Briefly discusses the 36th annual Science Talent Search, in which high school students conducted independent research to compete for college scholarships. Lists the 40 winners, their states of residence, and their high schools. (MLH)

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…

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;…

This article concentrates on identifying program goals as an initial, and essential, aspect of developing a program for the retention of minority students in higher education. Focus groups and in-depth interviews that were conducted to identify goals for such a program at a major research university are described. (SLD)

In this study, critical events in the career development of 26 Finnish Academy professors describe the trajectories of their achievement and success. Primary themes included mentors, academic years abroad, strong interest in the domain, and luck. Also described are transformative themes. Personal stories illustrate the individualistic nature of…

Robert J. Sternberg, director of the Center for the Psychology of Abilities, Competencies, and Expertise, reviews current concerns regarding giftedness and reflects on his work. He laments the use of programs whose efficacy has not been shown and stresses the need to identify giftedness in all its forms. (CR)

A decision of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court set a binding precedent which classifies gifted and talented students as exceptional children and requires that resources already in place within school districts be made available to develop individualized education programs for gifted students. (JDD)

Describes how high school students interested in pursuing a career in art can have their work evaluated by portfolio examiners from the admissions offices of art schools. Suggests that art teachers should make more use of these occasions by accompanying students and preparing them to accept criticism. (KM)

Analysis of Pegnato and Birch's data invalidates the observation that teacher nominations should not be relied upon in gifted identification, as analysis shows that effectiveness and efficiency are related to number of subjects singled out as a result of the chosen cutoff value. An alternative is presented: compare correlation coefficients of the…

This study investigated several nontraditional identification methodologies for their efficacy in identifying both minority and nonminority gifted students. Sixth graders (n=433) were given drawing and problem-solving tasks. Peer and teacher nominations were also used. The assessments identified a proportionate number of minority and nonminority…