This user-friendly guide offers advice and insight on developing defensible identification procedures and services for gifted and talented students. Special attention is given to the use of multiple methods including qualitative and quantitative assessments such as standardized measures (e.g. intelligence, aptitude, and achievement tests), interviews, portfolios, and observations. A particularly useful tool is the review of technical qualities of over 40 tests. Understanding and knowing a test's technical qualities helps in choosing a test that best matches a district's student population. Statistical tools and checklists are also provided to help ensure correct placement decisions. An additional section is also devoted to evaluation of current identification procedures. Following the preface, Overview of Assessment, written by Susan K. Johnsen, this book is divided into the following six chapters: (1) Definitions, Models, and Characteristics of Gifted Students (Susan K. Johnsen); (2) Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches to Assessment (Gail R. Ryser); (3) Culture-Fair and Nonbiased Assessment (Gail R. Ryser); (4) Technical Information Regarding Assessment (Jennifer L. Jolly and Jennifer Robins Hall); (5) Making Decisions about Placement (Susan K. Johnsen); and (6) Evaluating the Effectiveness of Identification Procedures (Susan K. Johnsen). The following are appended: (1) Office of Civil Rights Checklist for Assessment of Gifted Programs; (2) Statistical Tools: Converting Raw Scores into Standard Scores; and (3) Statistical Tools: Calculating the Standard Error of Measurement.