This article presents a new theory of talent development, evolving complexity theory (ECT), in the context of the changing theoretical directions as well as the landscape of gifted education. I argue that gifted education needs a new foundation that provides a broad psychosocial basis than what the notion of giftedness can afford. A focus on…

Great performance is a wonder to observe. We may notice creativity, excellent technique, or content mastery. What we may not notice is a set of mental and social skills that allow a person to show his or her best work. This article recommends that these psychosocial skills be explicitly and deliberately cultivated via programming, coaching, and…

It is difficult to say exactly when or how ideas originate and if and why they earn acceptance, but this author believes his theories evolved because of his background as an educator and a pragmatist who believes "validating" an idea through practical implementation is as important as the idea itself. For the author, there are considerable…

Reports on the growth and achievement of gifted girls and women in the past decade have been encouraging. Certainly, more women today feel encouraged to achieve, assume leadership, and pursue careers formerly dominated by men. The women's movement and the programs it inspired have helped promising girls plan and act on deeply held interests and…

Federal and state response to the educational needs of gifted students has been intermittent and permissive. The lack of cohesive and comprehensive policies pertaining to identification and programming for these students has created a disparity in services within and across states. Broader education policies, such as those resulting from No Child…

The Davidson Academy of Nevada may have one of the most-intelligent student bodies in America, with each student required to be in the 99th percentile on IQ or achievement tests. But these kids need room to run and jump and have someone to talk to as much as any middle schooler. The 44 students now at the academy are at the precarious stage of…

As scholars in the field of gifted education continue to explore ways of improving the educational services provided to gifted and talented students, attention must be paid to the infinite amount of potential that an interdisciplinary theory offers. To this end, the following essay explores the intersections of sociocultural theory and gifted…

An art teacher can lead students through exercises and discussions which explain and develop techniques, promote ingenuity, give pride of craftsmanship, and provide the base upon which a lasting interest in the visual world can be built. The art teacher's first priority in the studio is to take students who, for the most part, have been deprived…

This collection of essays deals with teaching secondary school students who are academically gifted. These students have an unusual capacity to accomplish something; they have aptitude in some special areas. They have artistic or physical skills, or they are talented verbally, linguistically, or mathematically. The essays have a broad application,…

The physical education program at Phillips Exeter Academy (New Hampshire) is designed to benefit students who, while being academically gifted, have the normal range of athletic aptitude and interests. The primary objective of the overall program is to develop individual abilities and promote physical fitness. While some students enjoy and…

Interest in the dropout question has centered on the disadvantaged dropout. The gifted or talented dropout has not been addressed, but some characteristics of gifted students at risk of dropping out can be recognized. Interventions that take individual learning styles and developmental needs into account can be derived. (SLD)