The points and counterpoints presented in this article highlight a few of the many issues that stand in the way of a fully organized, sustained approach to school programming for the gifted. ( Author/AM)

The case of S. Yamamura, a mentally handicapped (MH) Japanese who has become a famous artist, indicates that educators ought to concentrate upon the talents of the MH and use their interests in particular areas as a spur to further learning. (GW)

This article provides an overview of research relevant to the disadvantaged adult. A majority of the disadvantaged are excluded from participation in educational programs because of the nature of current educational programs, e.g., prerequisites to training. Inadequate background is highly related to unemployment and low aspirational levels. A…

Describes how disadvantaged children can be given a chance at academic success through development of their creative talents. (SP)

Introduces Flow Theory as framework for understanding authentic engagement. The individual learner's quality of experience should be an essential criterion for judging efficacy of educational challenge. Flow Theory emphasizes that our most powerful experiences of engagement are shared; they involve us with activities matching our capabilities and…

Within a context of ambivalence and limited resources, school administrators are challenged to create conditions that enable gifted students to thrive. This article discusses how to create learning environments that stimulate talent development; illustrates how the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy created an environment that fosters deep…

Interaction of gifted individuals with their society is explored in two different cultures, the Hopi and the dominant Anglo culture of the United States. Described are the role various societal ethos play in the careers of its gifted and how each society's treatment of its gifted affects its own ongoing development. (JDD)

This article examines the importance of encouraging children's interests and the pursuit of collections and hobbies as strategies for developing talent and abilities. Excerpts are cited from eminent people's lives as examples of early interests/collections and eventual success. Letters from children on their collections are included. (Contains…

This paper offers a theory of optimal motivation for talent development. Optimal motivation is described as a "flow" experience. A generalized expectancy value theory is used to analyze three ideal conditions to optimize flow experiences: optimal challenge, undivided interest, and optimal arousal. Further analysis shows how each is composed of two…

The Region IV Education Service Center (ESC) in Texas has been delivering G/T professional development for almost two decades, and it has a great plan. Texas is one of 27 states that mandate full or partial gifted education. Accountability is provided through standards for professional development, which are outlined in the Texas State Plan for…

Technological advances and widespread access to the Internet are facilitating new educational approaches that go beyond the traditional face-to-face classroom setting. Distance education has emerged as a valuable option for a number of special populations of learners whose needs are more difficult to meet in the classroom, of which gifted students…

Robert Sternberg's WICS model for identifying gifted individuals broadens the standard conception of giftedness and makes many helpful suggestions on how to conceptualize and assess the relevant dimensions of giftedness. There is one area, however, where the authors would propose an alternate viewpoint. "In a sense, this essay is about how to…

Accelerating Achievement in Math and Science in Urban Schools (AAMSUS) is a research and demonstration grant funded under the Javits Education for Gifted and Talented Program. AAMSUS, begun in 2004, is built on the notions of finding economically disadvantaged children early, providing varying interventions, raising achievement, and having the…

The core purpose of this paper is to describe a new educational paradigm as well as possible directions and tasks for education reform in the 21st century. The present-day education system has failed to nurture the kind of creative people who can play leading roles in development or to produce citizens of a good character and democratic…