A teacher describes the use of cluster grouping to meet the needs of six gifted students in her heterogeneous classroom. Considered are the definition and rationale for cluster grouping, classroom structure, cluster identification and profile, facilitation of cluster curriculum differentiation, teacher perceptions, and student/parent perceptions.…

To explore cultural influences on giftedness, a study was conducted of 20 culturally diverse children (ages 3-5) attending a specialized summer program for bright preschoolers. Observed behaviors are described, illustrated by examples in context, categorized as to epistemological orientation, and related to Gibson's human behavior hallmarks.…

Suggests that writing instruction for students attending residential public schools for gifted students must be tailored to this unique population. Writing instruction should include the writing conventions of various disciplines, writing for the general public, writing across the curriculum, technical writing, expressive writing, and persuasive…

The College Park Scholars Program at the University of Maryland is a learning community, based on the model of a residential college, that was designed to attract and retain academically talented undergraduates. Three experiential learning components developed by faculty for the curriculum are colloquia, service learning units, and discovery…

Describes five gifted elementary students and their programs: an Alaskan classroom delivery model centered on cluster grouping and differentiated thematic curricula; an Oregon pullout program focused on leadership and social skills; an Idaho hybrid program utilizing curriculum compacting; a Montana classroom model personalized at the building…

A study examined state legislative and policy provisions for gifted students and state efforts to address the seven initiatives outlined in U.S. Department of Education's "National Excellence: A Case for Developing America's Talent." Findings indicate some progress in teacher preparation, enhanced curricular standards, and efforts to match world…

Reports on a study designed to determine whether the historical approach to chemistry teaching will promote the conceptual problem-solving ability of eighth-grade students and identify whether high or low achievers profit more from this teaching approach. (DDR)

Students in a self-contained gifted and talented fifth grade evaluated three major learning activities of the Full Option Science System (FOSS). Students rated the activities very positively and felt the activities had given them greater confidence to work in groups, to be creative, and to strive to accomplish hard tasks as well as developing…

This discussion of the relationship of gifted education programs to broader school reform efforts focuses on negative effects of gifted programs on schools at large; issues in the reexamination of the gifted construct; and suggestions to avoid positioning school reform advocates, gifted education proponents, and full inclusion supporters in…

A survey of gifted high school juniors (22 African Americans, 22 Hispanic Americans, 12 Asian Americans, 7 Native Americans) showed that 89% planned to earn at least a bachelor's degree. Those from larger towns, with greater academic comfort, and whose parents had higher educational levels were more likely to plan to attend graduate school. (SK)

This article describes the development of a Writers' Workshop to meet the needs of six highly verbal gifted middle school students. The class met for one hour a week and encouraged students to talk about writing and writers. Students shared their own writing and engaged in literary criticism. (Contains references.) (CR)

An evaluation of a Georgia middle school's multi-age grouping program revealed significant progress regarding student self-esteem, achievement, community building, and teacher collaboration. The Crabapple experience illustrates how one model of student-centered, developmentally appropriate, and integrated learning can benefit middle-level…

This article proposes that gifted children with Asperger's syndrome may not be identified because their unusual behaviors may be wrongly attributed to either their giftedness or to a learning disability. Ways in which the syndrome might be missed and guidelines for differentiating characteristics of giftedness from Asperger's characteristics are…

Describes a project in which a small group of teachers of gifted students in primary and secondary schools in England used action research as an holistic way of undertaking professional development, which encouraged them to question their values, beliefs, and assumptions about teaching and learning. (CR)

Describes a curriculum design approach, "the ill-structured problem," based on real life situations, that was used for a summer gifted foreign language program for fifth- and sixth-grade students in the Chesapeake Public Schools, Virginia. Elements of problem-based learning are described, including the problem comes first, the problem is…