Characteristics of gifted programs that stick out like a "sore thumb" include vulnerability to charges of elitism, the notion that gifted students are better students, a lack of teacher support, and a high degree of rigidity. (CL)

Planning is of prime importance in providing programs for gifted and talented students. Districts should emphasize an awareness campaign on the premises and needs of gifted education. An individual should then be appointed and trained as the district specialist in gifted and talented education. (CL)

The authors describe a procedure, bibliotherapy, for using books to help gifted and talented children discuss and develop alternative approaches for meeting their special challenges and problems. A list of books are offered for the areas of personal problems, social problems, and educational/vocational problems. (SB)

Five major steps in the identification of gifted and talented youth are discussed, and problems in each area are noted: (1) determination of program goals and types of gifted youth to be served; (2) nomination procedures; (3) assessment procedures; (4) individual differentiation; and (5) validation of the identification process. (CL)

Developers of language arts programs for the gifted need to examine language structure, language function, and motivational activities to develop syntactical modeling, vocabulary, spelling, and creative writing. (DB)

The editor introduces a special issue on myths in gifted education. He suggests that myths deal with three major topics: definitions of the gifted and talented, identification, and programs. He concludes with a list of 14 questions concerning alternative approaches. (CL)

Attitudes of teachers regarding inservice and staff development focused on gifted/talented students range from negative to hostile. Research and programs which encourage the development of effective inservice and staff development and which motivate teachers to be receptive and positive about developing skills to identify and teach gifted students…

It is important to develop total "ownership" in gifted programs so that regular teachers, administrators, and community members realize the benefits of serving the above average student. (CL)

Followup and tie in between regular classrooms and gifted programs are essential for quality programing. "Ownership" of the program by the entire school community, including counselors, librarians, and administrators, is also important. (CL)

Guidelines for promoting gifted education programs are offered, including being judicious in promotion efforts, developing support among different role groups, and strengthening support within role groups (e.g., teachers, parents, students, administrators, community leaders, policymakers, and business leaders). A cyclic model of advocacy stages is…

Educators are encouraged to build advocacy for gifted education through the program itself by demonstrating the high quality products of participating students, and through continued commitment to public relations. Factors common to programs that have survived the economic downturn in New England are identified, including sustained advocacy…

An investigation was conducted to develop a program to train teachers to stimulate hypothesis generation (creativity) in elementary and secondary students. (SB)

Inappropriate expectations, insufficient instructional time, and lack of a support system erode the positive effects of gifted program inservice opportunities. Alternative training experiences are described which emphasize teacher-to-teacher rather than consultant-to-group interaction; focus on a specific objective reinforced by several inservice…

This interview with the executive director of the National Association for Gifted Children documents responses to questions about gifted program advocacy, including opposition to differentiated education for gifted students, effective lobbying techniques, and relationships with legislators and the business community. (DB)

This interview with Howard Spicker discusses his early leadership in the Head Start programs of the mid-1960s, his establishment of the Indiana University College for Gifted and Talented Youth, and his development of alternative procedures, instrumentation, and programs for gifted students from special populations. His work on Project SPRING is…