This review traces the evolution from 1971 to the present of a national technical assistance (TA) program to support the creation, expansion, and improvement of services for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with special needs. From its beginning as a TA resource for demonstration projects, to linking outreach projects' expertise with state…

Presented by the Technical Assistance Development System are a planning model for the specification of problems and an evaluation strategy for information collection to implement decision making in the First Chance network of programs for preschool handicapped children. The first chapter offers a planning model in terms of measurable goals,…

Effective early education for gifted children must include special policy and program considerations. Preschool/day-care efforts should be based on the child's needs, special program goals, appropriate placement or grouping, and parent involvement. Administration convenience must yield to developmental efficacy to provide early admittance to…

Special educators need to consider the implications of trends toward the rapid expansion of preschool programs for the handicapped, and the increased demand upon educators at all levels for systematic planning. (Author/DB)

Discusses five program elements that are believed to be essential for developing quality programs for gifted education. Elements discussed are leadership training, continuous inservice training, research and development, demonstration programs, and state leadership. (Author/RH)

This commentary on the demonstration programs of the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program discusses their role in inducing educational change, their usefulness in illustrating new ideas, their broadening of the definition of the gifted student, their ability to change participating teachers' perspective, and their…

There are many students with high native abilities that remain underdeveloped because of inadequate opportunity, practice, and motivation. Although genetics significantly affects development of various intelligences, environment (including cultural values) and sequential experiences help crystallize native abilities. Schools must organize and…

This article argues that providing good gifted and talented education programs is in the nation's economic self-interest and is essential to the United States' future economic competitiveness in the world community. (DB)

This paper summarizes the thoughts and suggestions of the 28 scholars and research persons convened to consider the problems in beginning the plans for a National Institute of Education as presented in President Nixon's White House Message in March 1970, and proposed in subsequent legislation to the Congress. (The summary is based on notes of Dr.…

This report suggests components for a comprehensive statewide inservice training program for personnel involved in implementing the Part H program of Public Law 99-457. These components include: (1) establishment of an inservice program as a requirement for each state participating in Part H; (2) promotion of a statewide comprehensive system of…

Not nearly enough money is going into the identification and development of gifted and talented children. Policy is more concerned with eliminating inequity than developing talent. A strong belief in equal treatment and opportunity has been translated into special education efforts for children in crisis, but not for children with special gifts.…

A national agenda for the education of gifted students should focus on three areas of unmet needs: the educational needs of the underserved gifted, including underachievers, young gifted, and culturally diverse gifted; a program quality support network, emphasizing research, development, demonstration, and leadership training; and collaborative…

A national survey examined state policies for identification of gifted students who are culturally different, economically disadvantaged, disabled, or in some way at risk. Progress was found in the areas of greater public awareness, screening procedures, formal identification processes, and program initiatives. A sidebar describes the Jacob K.…

This study analyzed the goals statements on Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) or Individual Education Programs (IEPs) of 72 families in nine communities. The sample was drawn from communities of varying sizes in three states (Colorado, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania). Families were chosen to include children in 1-year age groupings and…

In Part H of Public Law 99-457, the Federal Government agrees to provide modest financial resources to aid the states in planning and developing comprehensive, multidisciplinary, coordinated services for young children with handicaps and their families, and presents mandates for reforms in the service delivery system. This paper identifies the…