The Special Program of Training was created in Brazil to offer high-level learning experiences to gifted college students. The program includes professors serving as mentors to selected undergraduate students, special lectures, visits to laboratories, and participation in conferences and research projects. (JDD)

U.S. program model designs used for children who are gifted were analyzed for their potential applications for rural schools of developing countries such as South Africa. Program trends and practices are identified from analysis of 100 descriptive and experimental studies of the last 10 years. A bibliography of the studies is included. (SW)

This paper discusses the pros and cons of full-time, self-contained classes for gifted children; full-time schools and full-time classes; principles of differentiated curriculum; and research results on academic and social issues. The paper concludes that self-contained classes provide a differentiated program that better meets the needs of gifted…

This article examines the nature of musical ability and ways in which it can be identified, including several tests currently in use. It then considers the problem of making suitable provision for musically gifted pupils at the primary and secondary levels. A list of recommended readings is included. (Author/PB)

Despite problems encountered by the characteristics of rural education districts, successful and appropriate programs to teach gifted students can thrive by utilization of nontraditional techniques for student identification and by delivery of services through acceleration, technology, advanced placement classes, mentors, community resources, and…

This directory lists contact information for programs for the deaf-blind in the United States in 3 categories: (1) programs for deaf-blind children and youth (29 programs listed); (2) Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults (1 national and 10 regional offices); and (3) programs for training teachers of the deaf-blind (4…

A national survey of 142 public school districts in 1985-86 found a significantly greater proportion of girls than boys enrolled in gifted programs, however this predominance was reversed at grade 10 and continued through grade 12. Implications for high school programs for the gifted and further research are drawn. (Author/DB)

Governor's schools are described as innovative programs to accelerate or enrich the learning of gifted and talented students in terms of aptitude development, conceptual development, and personal and social development. Findings from the Tennessee Governor's Schools illustrate program outcomes and program effects. (JDD)

The Texas Governor's Honors Program recognizes outstanding high potential and achievement in gifted high school juniors, and provides in-depth instruction in interdisciplinary content areas with an emphasis on leadership in a multicultural society. This article describes program goals, student selection, curriculum, and program impact. (JDD)

This directory of programs for deaf-blind children and adults lists program name, address, telephone numbers, e-mail address, Web site, and administrator name. The directory also lists, with similar information, Helen Keller Centers for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults, and programs for training teachers of deaf-blind students. (DB)

A study examined data from annual reports to Congress regarding placement practices for students with learning disabilities over the past six years. Results found that students with learning disabilities are being educated in increasingly less restrictive settings, although placement practices differ considerably from state to state. (Author/CR)

This nine-year database study examined factors related to the return rate of 316 nontraditional gifted students who participated in a summer program for academically talented youth. Grade point average, achievement test scores, final grade in the first summer of attendance, and socioeconomic status were not significant predictors of returnee…

A study explored whether the 95th percentile qualifying score cutoff in use by the Elementary Student Talent Search was appropriate for 2,926 third to sixth graders who took the EXPLORE test. Results indicated participants earn EXLORE scores that are approximately normally distributed and that they compare favorably to eighth-grade norms.…

Telephone interviews with 74 Ohio special education directors examined implementation of the Interim Alternative Educational Setting (IAES) requirements in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 (IDEA 97). Most directors reported that no students had been removed to an IAES since IDEA 97 implementation. Home…

This study examined strategies for initiating social interactions with peers, among 4 children with hearing impairment, aged 33 to 36 months, attending a special early education center or a regular kindergarten. The study investigated initiation type (related to partner's hearing status) and rates of initiation success/failure vis-a-vis hearing…