This article describes the Pinnacle Project, a weeklong mentorship program designed to cultivate extraordinary talents in young scholars by pairing them with an established master in his or her field of interest. Two essays by student participants discuss the power of a mentor and the benefits of the program. (CR)

Discusses the impact of technology on music education and its implications for curriculum development. Recommends a curriculum for the musically gifted based on aural skills, electronic instructional tools, and a skilled musician as instructor. Offers suggestions on how this curriculum can be implemented and expounds on the use of electronic…

The article describes several young Chinese musical prodigies as well as principles of the Shanghai Music Conservatory's middle and primary schools which provide intensive musical training to musically gifted students. (DB)

The article describes a program at a special school for retarded and otherwise handicapped children in Japan which stresses development of artistic talents. The children's work has been the subject of an exhibition in Paris. (Author/DB)

This article reviews the historical development of female participation in sports, then identifies the unique issues associated with women's struggles for athletic acceptance and competitive excellence. Topics discussed include talent recognition and development, sex roles and socialization, physiology and maturation, coaching the female athlete,…

American schools often fail to provide opportunities for students at the highest levels of ability to test their ceilings of performance in a given talent area. Gifted education provides an essential voice addressing the importance of recognizing and developing "apex talent" and genuine "excellence" in American education.…

This article argues for the importance of identifying musically gifted young children. It considers (1) reasons for identifying such gifts early; (2) characteristics of musically gifted young children; and (3) provisions to develop these talents. (Author/DB)

This paper describes an established model leadership talent development program based on a weekend retreat combining experiential and seminar components. The conception and evolution of the program is outlined, and key components contributing to its success are described. Follow-up activities in regular academic settings throughout the year are…

This paper calls for reconsideration of gifted education practices to expand acceptable definitions of "success" and allow students additional avenues to demonstrate their abilities. Suggestions for cultivating emotional talents in students including self-reflection, philosophy and its applications, and global perspectives on current events are…

Parents of academically gifted children expect schools will identify children's talents, play a significant role in talent development, and support excellence and achievement. However, gifted programs either do not exist, are minimal, do not allow for progress, or are insufficient to meet the needs of these children. (SK)

Compares and contrasts the early years of the great polymath Henri Poincare (1854-1912) and the icon of 20th-century science, Albert Einstein (1879-1955). Similarities and dissimilarities are discussed in how both men related to their educational systems, and lessons are drawn for identification and support of gifted children. (CR)

Discusses the connection between creativity in the arts and competitions, and shares a sampling of competitions that might entice secondary students to maximize their creative abilities. The benefits of competitions are described; they include the opportunity for students to enhance self-directed learning skills and their sense of autonomy. (CR)

This introduction to a special section of articles on talent development in gifted education presents the Purdue Pyramid, a model of talent development with acceptance as a human being on the base, a variety of educational experiences ascending the pyramid, and self-understanding and commitment to self-development at the top. (DB)

An integrated curriculum model (ICM) is applied to the talent development process. Discussion focuses on a rationale for such a model, model features, applications in two federally funded curriculum projects, and relationship of the ICM to curriculum reform variables and implementation considerations. (DB)

A study of five women scientists revealed the following life strategies: concentration in a subject because of its appeal, acceptance of hard work, development of a strong sense of self, flexibility in timeframes for work and family, planning of children around career needs, and anticipation of childcare needs. (Contains four references.) (CR)