This study found that parents (n=118) who believed their preschool children to be gifted tended to (1) have specific beliefs concerning the constituents of giftedness, (2) exhibit a fairly high degree of accuracy in their judgements, and (3) have beliefs differing as a function of their children's actual ability levels. (Author/DB)

Patterns of intelligence scale subtest scores and standardized achievement test scores of 80 gifted and 41 gifted learning-disabled students were compared. A distinctive cognitive pattern of intelligence test scores and patterns in group achievement test scores were identified to target students warranting more in-depth evaluation for early…

Legislation in Ontario to encourage early identification in school of those who will become future scientists, mathematicians, sculptors, composers, painters, dancers, etc. leads to the question of whether artistic and scientific achievement can be distinguished at an early age. Further investigation is needed, putting into question the…

An Australian survey found that early childhood teachers were very supportive of early identification of gifted and talented children, though many had only a fuzzy definition of giftedness and suggested teacher observation as the best identification technique. Teachers who had been involved in gifted education recommended more specific…

The description of one student's experiences illustrates the need for early identification of, and programming for, gifted students. Factors influencing the reluctance of classroom teachers to identify young students as gifted are discussed, and mental models are introduced as the underlying reason for this resistance. Suggestions for change are…

The Early Assessment for Exceptional Potential portfolio assessment model assesses children as exceptional learners, users, generators, and pursuers of knowledge. It is based on use of authentic learning opportunities; interaction of assessment, curriculum, and instruction; multiple criteria derived from multiple sources; and systematic teacher…

This reprint of an article on the identification of and programming for gifted preschoolers is preceded by a commentary that stresses the gulf between parents' and teachers' perceptions and beliefs when it comes to precocious young children. Findings from the study indicate parents were much more supportive of curriculum differentiation. (Contains…

To reduce the possibility that children who do not fit stereotypical profiles of gifted children will be passed over, identifying students from diverse backgrounds for talent should be a multipronged effort. Outreach is especially important in areas when parents may be absorbed in meeting their family's immediate needs. To facilitate…

This digest offers guidelines to parents of gifted children which emphasize respecting the child's individuality while providing necessary support. A new definition of giftedness is cited which stresses the asynchronous development of such children's cognitive skills and the resultant qualitatively different inner experience. Early signs of…

A survey explored issues and concerns of 46 parents of gifted preschoolers and 23 preschool/kindergarten teachers surrounding early identification and programming for giftedness. The majority of participants reported that early identification can and should be done, and supported the practice of differentiated curriculum. Early admission was not…

This article discusses gifted education and research in Israel and its belief that the intellectual ability of its people is Israel's most precious natural resource. The Talpiot program is highlighted as a unique program that is designed to identify and develop abilities of gifted and talented young people. (Contains references.) (CR)

The North York Board of Education established an Early Identification Committee, as directed by the Ministry of Education in 1978, to develop procedures for early identification of children's learning needs and abilities. An initial examination of how Early Identification Procedures were being received in the schools is presented, assessing the…

The paper, originally given at a 1986 Ethnic and Multicultural Symposium, discusses the continuing underrepresentation in gifted and talented programs of Black and Hispanic children and the need for early identification and nurturing of gifted Black and Hispanic students. The Program of Assessment, Diagnosis, and Instruction (PADI) is described.…

A screening and assessment procedure has been developed in Newark, New Jersey, to identify gifted inner-city minority kindergarten students. The procedure uses the Brigance K & 1 Screen, a new Gifted Screening intelligence measure, and the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities. The procedure has increased identification of gifted students…

Outlines the patterns and processes of visual representation which occur during early childhood and suggests some differences that may be apparent in relation to the young gifted child. Stages of development are described and the use of children's drawings as indicators of giftedness is also outlined. (Author/CR)