The myth that gifted children constitute 3% to 5% of the school population was addressed in the 1982 issue of the "Gifted Child Quarterly" by Joe Renzulli, a fact that is more than a little intimidating to one charged with addressing the same myth 27 years later. In his 1982 article, Renzulli interpreted the 3% to 5% myth as an implicit…

There is a fallacy about identifying gifted and talented children and youth that refuses to go away: It is the notion that a single score is "sufficient" for determining giftedness. In this article, the author addresses several reasons for the longevity and ubiquity of this myth, as well as the data that call the myth into question. These include…

Discusses research related to identifying early predictors of school success or intelligence. Reports on a study that suggested correlations exist between how babies process information (visual attentiveness) in the first six months of life and the child's performance on intelligence tests in school. (ML)

Autism is characterized by an uneven profile of cognitive abilities and population studies show that approximately 10 percent of diagnosed individuals possess a skill that is significantly better than would be predicted by global IQ. Recent evidence suggests that individuals with autism who possess special skills may represent a distinct genetic…

Suggests improper application of standardized IQ tests may misidentify or underrefer thousands of intellectually gifted students each year. Presents 10 hazards that can bias IQ scores of gifted children and cautions psychological examiners and consumers of IQ test information to be aware of these hazards. (Author/AH)

In this article, ten reasons are identified as to why discrepancy scores (based on differences between IQ and reading achievement scores) provide an inadequate means for identifying children with reading disabilities. It is recommended instead that children be identified simply on the basis of problems in reading skills, regardless of their IQs.…

Educators, as applied scientists, must work in partnership with investigative scientists who are researching brain functions in order to reach a better understanding of gifted students and students who are intelligent but do not learn. Improper understanding of brain functions can cause gross errors in educational placement. Until recently, the…

This paper reviews the literature on assessment bias issues in special education. While assessment instruments yielding a single IQ score are seen as useful components in a comprehensive multifactored assessment, and are the primary tool of diagnosis for mental retardation, they are found to be irrelevant when applied to students with learning…

A study explored the relationship between human figure drawing performance as measured by Ayres and Reid's assessment technique and the more commonly used Draw-a-Person-Test (DAPT). Data indicate that Ayres and Reid's self-drawing score system may be a useful replacement for the longer DAPT. (JOW)

This paper reviews the literature on under-identification of minority children, especially Hispanic children, for education as gifted and talented students. It begins with definitions of terms such as "gifted and talented" and also such terms as "bias" and "culturally diverse." Some characteristics of gifted Hispanic children are then listed as…

This single-article issue discusses the identification and educational needs of gifted children. Giftedness is defined and a suggested set of levels of intellectual giftedness based on IQ scores is included. The special needs of gifted children are briefly reviewed, including: the need for a challenging education, the need for "true peers" that…

Recent theorists have begun to re-conceptualize the construct of "intelligence." This paper reviews recent theories of intelligence and indicates implications for practitioners, educators, and individuals. Theories and theorists discussed include the following: (1) Robert Sternberg has advanced the "triarchic theory" of…

Reports on empirical studies that assessed continuing claims for utility of subtest analysis. Hierarchical regression and discriminate models were used to determine maximum potential of ability subtests to explain variation in academic achievement, stylistic classroom learning, and test-session behavior. Ipsative subtest scores provide no…

This article explores the current trend to dismiss general intelligence in favor of multiple intelligences in identifying gifted students. Advantages of the IQ test in identifying exceptionally gifted students who have unique educational and socio-emotional needs and the curricular implications of the general intelligence focus are discussed.…

The longitudinal stability of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised was examined for consistency in determining eligibility for gifted programs among 66 elementary children. All subtest scales except one remained extremely stable, producing less than one scale score point difference across three test administrations. Children…