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)

The health care provider functioning in an organized preschool setting can play a vital role in the early identification of the gifted child. The health professional can make a unique contribution in this area as well as being alert for the potential health problems the child may have. (Author)

Literature on identification of gifted preschoolers and infants is discussed, including difficulties in attempting to identify potential giftedness in very young children, the importance of early identification, and identification methods currently available or in use. Research that shows promise for use with preschool and infant schoolchildren is…

The digest addresses issues related to preschool gifted and talented children. Such a child is defined as one who functions significantly above average age level in language development, thinking skills, creative thinking skills, physical adaptability, social skills, and/or leadership. Early identification is viewed as important, and the use of…

An investigation of the predictive validity of the STAR (Screening Test for Academic Readiness) with 74 students referred for assessment revealed that prekindergarten STAR scores significantly predicted verbal performance and full scale IQ scores on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised obtained several years later. (CL)

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 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…