The article discusses the many positive aspects of using intelligence tests in gifted assessment, including the ability to accurately predict academic and everyday success, the outstanding psychometric properties of intelligence tests, and the utility of intelligence tests in identifying giftedness in handicapped children, underachievers, and…

The curriculum director for Salt Lake City's gifted and talented program cites the advantages of using a thematic, interdisciplinary approach developed within the program and having access to administrative assistance in curriculum development. A curriculum map for developing curricula themes and/or processes is included. (CL)

An interview with V. Wilkie of the Richardson Foundation examines highlights of the foundation's districts on programing for gifted and talented students. Topics covered include findings regarding quality and quantity of programing and program options. (CL)

A policy maker offers guidelines for people wishing to advocate for gifted education. Suggestions touch on such aspects as the need for apathy, the role of telephone and letter advocacy, and the appropriate target of advocacy efforts. (CL)

Aptitude test performance of 300 sixth graders compared with measures of intelligence, creativity, and task commitment (J. Renzulli's definition of giftedness) showed that strict application of Renzulli's definition resulted in identification of a small number of students. Totally different children were identified by verbal as opposed to figural…

The authors reply to a response by J. Renzulli et al on an earlier article criticizing strict application of Renzulli's Revolving Door Identification Model (RDIM) for gifted students. They suggest that Renzulli et al missed the major points of their argument and ask for more rigorous investigation into the RDIM. (CL)

Four creativity self-identification measures are reviewed: GIFT (Group Inventory for Finding Creative Talent); GIFFI1 and GIFFI2 (Group Inventory for Finding Interests); and PRIDE (Preschool Interest Descriptor). The characteristics approach as measured by self-report and parent-report inventories is seen as effective and efficient. (CL)

This book offers an alternative to current reform efforts, the talent development approach, detailing organizational, curricular, and instructional strategies that provide practitioners with a blueprint for whole school reform. The book presents the story of what happened in urban high schools when this approach was implemented. There are eight…

Author suggests four remedial actions to improve graduate study: teaching staff, thesis committee pool, exchange of students, use of outside talent. (IR)

A major problem hindering quality services for gifted preschoolers is a selective identification process that may overlook the child's gifts and talents. Enriching the preschool environment to promote creativity, problem solving, affective development, and mastery is an alternative that would serve all children. (CL)