Discusses definitions of giftedness, including the use of talent as a more effective term for giftedness. Argues that the concept of giftedness is closely linked to general intelligence and is of limited usefulness in understanding and educating youth with special abilities, while talents represent special aptitudes that can be individually…

An interview with Vladimir Feltsman, a piano virtuoso and educational innovator, covers his views on development of musical talent in Russia, identification of talent in children, his training at a special music school, his mentors, choosing a musical career, the ideal school for young musicians, and the maximum age for beginning to develop…

THE GOALS OF THE CONFERENCE WERE TO AROUSE THE INTEREST OF COMMUNITIES IN TENNESSEE AND THE MID-SOUTH IN THE ACADEMICALLY TALENTED, TO INFORM BOTH PROFESSIONAL AND LAY PEOPLE ABOUT CURRENT THEORY AND PRACTICES IN THIS AREA OF EDUCATION, TO SUGGEST SPECIFIC PILOT PROJECTS FOR LAY GROUPS SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THEIR BOARDS OF EDUCATION, AND TO…

The points and counterpoints presented in this article highlight a few of the many issues that stand in the way of a fully organized, sustained approach to school programming for the gifted. ( Author/AM)

Describes how disadvantaged children can be given a chance at academic success through development of their creative talents. (SP)

This paper offers a theory of optimal motivation for talent development. Optimal motivation is described as a "flow" experience. A generalized expectancy value theory is used to analyze three ideal conditions to optimize flow experiences: optimal challenge, undivided interest, and optimal arousal. Further analysis shows how each is composed of two…

The Region IV Education Service Center (ESC) in Texas has been delivering G/T professional development for almost two decades, and it has a great plan. Texas is one of 27 states that mandate full or partial gifted education. Accountability is provided through standards for professional development, which are outlined in the Texas State Plan for…

This paper examines issues in identifying visually gifted children, including artistic talent and its relationship to visual giftedness; the contexts in which visual giftedness represents a specific type of intelligence; the ability of classroom teachers to identify the visually gifted; resources that may help classroom teachers identify the…

A program is described which was designed to develop talents among young black students. The curriculum materials are explained to be language based with emphasis on students' oral response to open ended questions. Five essential language areas are covered: expressive language, central meaning, prediction beyond the present experience, reasoning,…

This monograph reports on a study of six child prodigies whose talents are manifested in writing, music, and mathematics. The boys, aged 3.5-9 years, were observed in natural settings and while practicing their talent specialty, and interviews were conducted with the boys, their parents, and their teachers. The study concludes that prodigies focus…

Discussed is the issue of how many different kinds of talents or gifts special programs will consider in both selection and educational aspects, focusing on how many different kinds of gifts and talents can be dealt with simultaneously and how much complexity can be tolerated. (DLS)

Described is a New York State summer art program designed to bring exceptionally talented high school students to work in a professional setting with well-known artists. (KC)

Responding to "Varieties of Intellectual Talent" (Julian C. Stanley), this article discusses key components of talent development models that schools need to adopt in educating gifted children, including appreciation and response to individual differences, emphasis on the cultivation of the intellect to nurture abilities, and appreciation for…