The editor introduces a special issue on myths in gifted education. He suggests that myths deal with three major topics: definitions of the gifted and talented, identification, and programs. He concludes with a list of 14 questions concerning alternative approaches. (CL)

Among findings were standardized testing and other inappropriate practices, apparent confusion over the definition of giftedness, and lack of understanding regarding identification measures under each of the federal definition's categories. (Author/SB)

The article describes the Teachers of the Talented and Gifted (TAG) program in Fremont, Nebraska, in which two itinerant TAG teachers visit each first- and second-grade classroom once a week for eight weeks to improve gifted identification in the primary grades and to demonstrate creative activities that can be useful to all students. (DLS)

The article presents the sixth-year report of the Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth at John Hopkins University, which attempts to identify mathematical talent among junior high students in Maryland and develop that talent while fostering the students' acceleration through college. (DLS)

Describes how to identify gifted and talented children and develop programs for them. (DD)

The article describes development, testing, and use of a new instrument, Clark's Drawing Abilities Test, and its success in screening and/or identifying artistically gifted students. Significant correlations have been found between results from this test, the Children's Embedded Figures Test, and teachers' ratings of pupils. (Author/PB)

Describes a system of categories to subdivide the gifted and talented population into the following more homogeneous subgroups: mild, moderate, high, exceptional, and extreme. Based on the metric system, each of the five levels, including the minimum threshold, selects the top 10% of the previous level. (Author/CR)

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…

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…

This 3-part guide is intended to help local school personnel serve their gifted students through participation in the Duke University (North Carolina) Talent Identification Program (TIP). Part I lists a timetable of activities during fall and spring which focus on the TIP application process and achievement testing. Part II describes a variety of…

The report contains the proceedings of the Third Annual Northern Virginia Conference on Gifted/Talented Education. Titles and authors of papers presented include "Realizing Your Potential" (H. Lyon), "Developing the Gifts of All Children" (W. Barbe), "What is Leadership Training for the Gifted?" (D. Sisk), "Theoretic Foundations of Differential…

This article describes the knowledge and skills that comprise personal talent and distinguish it from personal competence and several related psychological constructs, such as social intelligence, motivation, and wisdom. Finally, the usefulness of the theory of personal talent for research in high ability studies is discussed. (Contains…

A model Talent Development Program is described, designed to meet the atypical learning styles and needs of gifted students. Structural factors in conventional schools that are antithetical to talent development are discussed, and provisions for facilitating scholarly inquiry and apprenticeships for students are outlined. (Author/PB)

Describes various collaborative programs between community arts organizations and schools that provide long-range talent development. Considers the aspects of identifying artistic talent within the arts. Addresses artistic underpinnings, perceptual discrimination, metaperception, creative interpretation, student commitment, the procedures, the…