Middle schools are uniquely able to help early adolescents develop healthy, positive identities. Youngsters should expect to achieve school success and recognition. To develop and recognize individual expertise, schools must expand areas expertise is recognized, valued, and developed; become aware of students' interests and goals; create a…

Highlights a school which systematically tries to cater to all pupil's needs, including the very able students. Describes the program's structure, the faculty of the school, the student population, and the instructional and extracurricular programming in the elementary, middle school and high school grades. (Author/CR)

Explores the limitations of existing congruence career development and counseling models, which are described as inconsistent with the goals of talent development. A new model of career counseling that focuses on talent development is introduced and its assumptions, goals, assessment focus, process, and practices are identified. (CR)

This article presents scenarios that rationalize a developmental approach to giftedness. It argues that in order to be gifted, one needs to be increasingly active in one's own development as an adult. The implications of viewing giftedness as developing from being to doing are discussed. (Contains references.) (CR)

Parents, school personnel, and counseling professionals (N=335) were surveyed concerning the special counseling needs of gifted students. All groups surveyed believed that gifted and talented youth had unique social, emotional, family, talent, and career development needs best met through differentiated counseling services but not being met…

The best kind of performance-based funding system is that which encourages and rewards good practice. Any state incentive program should encourage colleges and universities to develop a comprehensive database, conduct more and better talent development assessments, increase student-faculty contact, and increase student involvement in learning.…

Self-images of 76 male/101 female adolescents talented in mathematics, science, music, athletics, or art were compared to those of 112 male/106 female average teenagers, using the Offer Self-Image Questionnaire for Adolescents. Talented adolescents had self-images generally similar to their average peers. Implications for the development of talent…

This article discusses the validity of using conventional psychometric tests to assess the abilities of disadvantaged pupils, justifies the use of alternative assessment procedures, emphasizes the importance of changing teacher attitudes toward the disadvantaged gifted, and suggests ways to nurture and develop the talents of disadvantaged…

A theoretical approach to talent development in emerging nations is proposed, based on principles of curricular intervention derived from qualitative research. Implementation of such a culturally appropriate curriculum in Ebeye, Marshall Islands, illustrates the approach. Adaptations to other cultures are suggested. (Author/DB)

This article examines different manifestations of verbal talent and how teachers can identify and cultivate special verbal abilities in students. The provision of role models relevant to students' interests is stressed and a list of recommended biographies is included, as are literary experiences available to student writers. The relationship of…

This panel paper includes discussions from professional artists on pivotal stages and forces in their artistic and career development. Factors identified and recommended for emphasis in curriculum development are motivation, confidence, discipline, basic skills, structure, and studying with gifted teachers. Numerous possible roles for the art…

All programs for the gifted and talented should incorporate visual and performing arts, so that students' natural interests and creative abilities are not stifled. Many gifted and talented high school students not classified as artistically talented can achieve in discipline-based curriculum areas stressing nondiscursive art-making activities.…

Discusses the themes of "Good Will Hunting" and "Titanic" and their messages to educators. The need for gifted children to have an array of people in their lives to nurture their abilities and the need for the development of a New Zealand national policy for gifted children is emphasized. (CR)

Discusses the importance of competitions for gifted students and offers practical tips and techniques for utilizing competitions, not only to enhance talents, but also to nurture positive relationships between the school and community. Gives an example of a community's involvement in supporting competitions. (Author/CR)

Presents a set of 22 sequentially structured statements on the nature and origin of human abilities, gifts, and talents. The statements are grouped into three sections: the nature of human abilities, individual differences and their origins, and the specific case of gifts and talents. (Author/CR)