To date, in gifted education and related fields various conventional factor analytic and clustering techniques have been used extensively for investigation of the underlying structure of data. Latent profile analysis is a relatively new method in the field. In this article, we provide an introduction to latent profile analysis for gifted education…

A study of six gifted elementary students found that students in the homogeneous gifted class showed a greater increase in the number of control functions performed by the mind-machines they proposed, offered descriptions of their machines which were longer, more sophisticated, and more creative, and leap-frogged off of each others' ideas.…

This article examines recent trends and the literature on grouping with emphasis on possible negative effects of heterogeneous grouping on gifted students. Guidelines from three recent publications all supporting some level of grouping are listed. (DB)

A review of the literature on best practices, both instructional and curricular, that may lead to increased achievement among gifted students, found that flexible ability grouping, combined with appropriate curricular revision or differentiation, may result in substantial achievement gains both for average and high ability learners. (Contains…

A study examined views of teachers about the impact of honors classes on secondary students in regular classes with gifted students removed and on the gifted students in honors classes. Results show honors classes in basic subjects are positive for honors and regular students and for teachers of both. (MSE)

This article addresses six myths often used to oppose ability grouping of gifted students. These concern distinctions between tracking and ability grouping; ability grouping and elitism; discrimination against racial and minority groups; gifted students' supposed lack of special needs; the effectiveness of cooperative learning for all students;…

This article describes cooperative-learning models, discusses adaptation of cooperative learning for gifted students, and outlines an appropriate curriculum for gifted students. The paper concludes that activities that allow gifted students to share knowledge and improve interaction skills are appropriate for heterogeneous groups, whereas…

A commentary precedes this reprint of a study that investigated the academic, psychological, and socialization effects of ability grouping on gifted learners. Conclusions drawn from 13 research syntheses supported sustained periods of instruction in like-ability groups for gifted students. The commentary discusses the research findings and…

This reprint of a previously published article describes a study that examined the relationship of six commonly held myths regarding ability grouping to educators' efforts to provide the best instructional programs for all students. The article is preceded by a commentary stressing the need for appropriate services. (Contains references.) (CR)

A commentary precedes this previously published article that presents different perspectives on the inclusion of gifted students in the heterogeneously grouped classroom. A professor advocates homogeneous ability grouping, a teacher explains how inclusion can be impractical, and a parent describes the benefits of appropriate placement. (Contains 3…

A commentary precedes this previously published article that uses case studies of two highly gifted preschool students to illustrate potential pitfalls in program planning. Three key components (assessment, flexible scheduling, and counseling) are stressed as critical to the success of any gifted program. (Contains references.) (CR)

A commentary precedes this previously published study that indicates fifth-grade and eighth-grade students in homogeneous classes perceived that their teachers held higher expectations of them than did students who were heterogeneously grouped. The statistical methods used in the study are explained, along with key findings. (Contains references.)…

Attitudes of gifted students placed in homogeneous classes were compared to students not identified as gifted in regular heterogeneous classes. Student perceptions of themselves as learners, student perceptions of teachers' behaviors and expectations, and academic achievement were assessed for 105 students in grades 5 and 8. (SW)

Thirty sixth graders in accelerated mathematics classes were taught in cooperative-learning teams for 12 weeks. Students appeared to benefit academically, personally, and socially from the cooperative-learning strategies used to teach mathematics, cooperative-learning skills, effective communications, internal locus of control, and personal…