A program is described which was intended to assist gifted ninth graders to develop skills, perspective, and characteristics needed to deal effectively with change. The program's goals (development of a futures perspective, futuring competencies, and self-actualization); philosophy; organization; evaluation; and content are reviewed. (CL)

A global futures program offers credit classes, pull-out classes, and seminars that focus on global issues and problem solving techniques for gifted and talented students (grades 5-12). The curriculum applies the methods of futurists to course content. Independent study projects are required of all students. (CL)

The responsibilities of a gifted education program coordinator are many and varied. Guidelines are provided for many questions that new coordinators should ask when evaluating the existing gifted education program, developing the program, selecting new teachers, specifying the coordinator's role in both teaching and administration, and making a…

A rationale for teaching thinking skills to gifted students is presented, and a five-step approach is offered, including create a skills taxonomy, develop a scope and sequence chart, provide staff development time, develop unit plans, and teach and evaluate the lessons. (JDD)

The author describes the development and success of a program designed to allow gifted and talented and learning problem eighth grade students to choose their own courses and course sequence as they pursued mastery of seven critical skills in reading, writing, computation, problem solving, research, and adjustment. (CL)

This article discusses the importance of conducting an initial needs assessment as part of gifted program development. The paper describes data collection concerning the general student body, gifted population, school district personnel, school and school district, physical setting, economic factors, community, and national and state gifted…

This paper examines cognitive capacities and dispositional characteristics that contribute to creative problem solving, including relationship generation skills, expertise, adaptability, and wisdom. The paper argues that programs for gifted and talented students should develop the beliefs, values, and motives that will encourage students to apply…

Describes programs for the gifted: visual and performing arts for secondary students, enrichment for rural elementary students, and a learning center elementary enrichment program. NOTE: includes "INTERARTS: The High School Program for the Talented in the Arts" by Barbara Luehning, "Spice" by Jane V. Salisbury, and "Learning Center Enrichment…

Similarities and differences are explored in programs and provisions for academically able students in the United States, Japan, and West Germany. Discussed are social attitudes toward gifted education (especially the belief that special provisions for an "elite" group are undemocratic) and the use of various teaching methods as…

The REDSIL model for ongoing evaluation of gifted education programs involves interviewing stakeholders, isolating and categorizing critical study issues, designing a data collection plan that uses several forms of qualitative methods, implementing the plan, analyzing data, searching literature relative to each issue, analyzing data again, and…

Staff development practices that successfully implemented long-term applications of cluster grouping in two districts are analyzed, compared, and reviewed. Parallel practices and differences are discussed concerning program beginning, implementation, and maintenance. Conclusions are drawn and six steps for use and consideration by others engaged…

Introduces principles of Total Quality Management (TQM) and proposes incorporation of TQM within long-range planning efforts of gifted education programs. Principles such as involving all stakeholders, working for the long-term, and working systematically are applied in two sample charts organized around the goals of improving gifted…

Suggests the International Baccalaureate Program (IB) as an alternative secondary program for gifted youth. After tracing the history of the IB program, comparing the IB program to other programs, and outlining the curriculum and requirements, the article shows how the IB meets the needs of gifted students. (Author/CR)

Four practitioners in the field of gifted education provide perspectives on the history of efforts to develop support for special services to the gifted disabled population. Following biographical background information, transcripts of informal interviews with participants Merle Karnes, James Gallagher, Gail Hanninen, and Waveline Starnes are…

Clear and comprehensive criteria for developing and evaluating gifted programs are needed. These criteria would define selection of program students and program characteristics. Programs should involve all potentially able students and should be innovative, intellectually stimulating, comprehensive, enthusiastic, and divergent. (MSE)