Describes a program of Library Research Clinics developed at Northern Illinois University to teach bibliographic instruction (BI) to one or two students at a time as an alternative to teaching BI in large first-year English classes. Implementation of the clinics with educationally disadvantaged students and with honor students is reviewed.…

Although equal numbers of highly gifted boys and girls are found from early childhood until about age 12, 98% of the preeminent adults are male. This may be because, during preadolescence and adolescence, girls receive societal messages that undermine gifted girls' confidence and motivation. A vigorous campaign is needed to establish gender equity…

The Diet Cola Test was designed as a process assessment of science aptitude in intermediate grade students. Investigations of the instrument's reliability and validity indicated that data did not support use of the instrument for identifying individual students' aptitude. However, results suggested the test's appropriateness for evaluating…

This study assessed the social adjustment of female early college entrants using standard measures of adjustment and two comparison groups (traditional college students and boarding school students). Early entrants evidenced higher social conformity and solitary activity than boarding students. They evidenced social adjustment similar to college…

A summer course completed by 30 secondary students with high ability provided team-based, hands-on experience in the invention and design process. The group experiences are examined using three case studies. Implications of the course are analyzed with respect to group problem-solving by students with academic talents. (SW)

Academically talented high school students (n=239) evaluated a three-week individualized, flexibly paced precalculus summer course as more challenging than their ensuing school placement course. Results support the use of such courses, followed by appropriate placement, as a means of meeting the special academic needs of talented students. (DB)

A study of 17 bright underachievers aged 8 to 15 attributed low achievement to emotional issues, peer group pressure, lack of an appropriate curriculum, undiagnosed learning disabilities, and poor self-regulation. Teacher researchers discovered that involving these students in creative productivity reversed the cycle of underachievement. (12…

Describes Telecommunications Opportunities for Gifted Learners (TOGL), a state-funded project in Florida that links gifted programs in rural districts. The use of electronic mail and computer conferences is described; teacher education and training needs are discussed; and an example of a lesson plan that integrates online activities is given.…

This study compared intellectually superior students (ages 8-9) identified as accelerated readers (n=11) or nonreaders (n=8) at the age of 4 and provided similar types of elementary school basal reading instruction. Accelerated readers scored higher than nonreaders on measures of word attack and dictation, with no differences on word recognition…

Two pilot tests with fifth and sixth graders evaluated the Secondary School Admission Test for identifying academically talented students of elementary school age. Testing indicated that mean scores for eighth and ninth grade normative samples are recommended as cutoffs for identifying highly able fifth and sixth grade students. (Author/JDD)

This 10-year longitudinal study of 46 female and 35 male high school valedictorians found that differences in career aspirations among the women were largely accounted for by their varying approaches to issues of career-family balance. Role expectations appeared more influential in determining career attainment than did actual life role timing.…

Reviews past studies of children's drawings and their relationship to academic ability. Discusses the use of Clark's Drawing Abilities Test with gifted and talented secondary students. Finds that the test can be used successfully to identify various ability levels among students. (CFR)

The relationship between cultural background and giftedness was studied for 52 fifth graders (24 males and 28 females) in Finland using a case study method. Giftedness was assessed by 18 teachers. Cognitive strategies were linked to self-concept and strategies of perceiving information, supporting the background role of social experiences. (SLD)

This article discusses arguments for and against ability grouping as reflected in the literature and research work. Such tracking problems as segregation, stigma, and elitism are discussed, as are between-class vs. within-class grouping strategies and specifically designed programs for the gifted. (PB)

Compares the career choices and interests, personality issues, and values of high-achieving, expected-achieving, and low-achieving high school and college students. States that the emphasis on individualism may encourage students to "make the grade" rather than commit to larger causes. Argues for the reassessment of achievement values and…