In this digest identification and development of leadership skills in gifted and talented students are examined. Leadership is analyzed and its scope expanded from qualities of one who leads to a more complex view of how a person exerts influence. Conceptions of task-oriented versus relationship-oriented leaders are considered. Ways in which…

The digest considers the operation and function of mentorships in gifted and talented education. Defined as learning partnerships between two or more individuals regarding a mutual interest, mentorships are designed to differentiate the curriculum through such means as creating opportunities for learner access to professional expertise in the…

This "ERIC Digest" discusses the components of an effective educational program for students who are gifted. The paper defines the term "program" and distinguishes between programs and provisions. Eight major components of an effective program are noted: needs assessment, definition of population, identification procedures,…

The digest extends the concept of Individualized Education Programs (IEP) to gifted and talented children. IEPs are defined as written documents, developed and revised annually with input from parents, teachers, and where appropriate, the students themselves. IEP content includes a realistic assessment of current performance, reasonable…

Suggestions are offered for establishing local parent association groups as advocates for gifted and talented students. Beginning concerns include location and recruitment of new members; affiliation with state and national groups (such as the Association for the Gifted within the Council for Exceptional Children and the National Assocation for…

A literature review, the experiences of the authors, and the results of the Project To Improve and Reward Teaching (PIRT) at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, are used to derive suggestions for change in academic departments. A qualitative study of change in eight PIRT departments has provided data to support the suggestions. Assessing the…

Vocational education has suffered enrollment problems simply because there are fewer students today than a few years ago. Other factors that have hurt vocational enrollments include recent efforts to increase the number of academic credits required for graduation, and in the case of area vocational-technical schools, negative attitudes toward…

The author describes the Mentor Academy Program (MAP) a skill-based model for training gifted high school students as mentors and thereby becoming leaders in processing information and networkers creating and sharing information. Chapter 1 offers historical and philosophical, gifted education, and high school perspectives to stewardship (the dual…

Program development in gifted and talented education is the focus of the digest. Elements of a successful program, including statements of support for differential education, staff orientation, and multiple appropriate screening and identification procedures are listed. Beginning steps for planning committees are noted. Identification approaches…

Chapter 12 in a volume on school leadership, this chapter cites the work of several authorities concerning problem-solving or decision-making techniques based on the belief that group problem-solving effort is preferable to individual effort. The first technique, force-field analysis, is described as a means of dissecting complex problems into…

Urban areas are the sites of many smoking prevention strategies targeting special populations. This digest provides an overview of these initiatives. Adolescents smoke for the same reasons that they use alcohol and other drugs. Personal factors that contribute to risk are enhanced by tobacco company advertising that makes smoking seem attractive.…

In this digest the functions of an administrator in gifted and talented education are explored. Administrators are seen to have responsibilities in awareness of the students, in community, and the curriculum. Among specific tasks outlined for administrators are developing plans for continuing identification of gifted students, ensuring that…

The concept of wellness is defined and the importance of establishing a healthy lifestyle is discussed. A description is given of the Rochester Institute of Technology Wellness Program, which is typical of the many current programs covering varying aspects of wellness. These programs are offered by private agencies, educational institutions, and…

This digest focuses on the evolution of beginning teacher induction programs over the past two decades, and discusses the reasons why such programs are essential to the professional development of teachers. An overview is presented of existing induction programs, and observed outcomes of these programs are briefly discussed. In considering what…

Career counseling in middle and high schools should be tailored to the unique characteristics of adolescents during those tumultuous years when they begin to learn more about themselves. Establishing a rapport and building a relationship are key first steps for school counselors working with adolescents and their career aspirations. Individuals…