The use of a talent development approach with 16 adults with Williams syndrome that focused on strengths, interests, and learning style preferences was found to enhance all participants' understanding of mathematics and to provide opportunities for the further development of their abilities, especially their music potential. (Contains references.)…

This article presents the case of Geoffrey, a prolific 5-year-old writer. It examines his writing and how his intrapersonal factors and propitious environment contribute to his prodigious output. Childhood precocity is presented as an age-based comparable rather than as an adult-based predictor. A developmental theory of precocity is considered.…

A teacher at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf (District of Columbia) discusses the process of creating, rehearsing, and producing a play using sign language as an expressive and artistic tool. The importance of performing often enough to achieve the euphoria of mastery is stressed. (DB)

Describes a range of summer programs for gifted or artistically talented students. Resources and guidelines for evaluating, selecting, and applying to such programs are discussed, as are safety concerns. The Pennsylvania Governor's school is also described in brief. (PB)

Outcomes of inservice leadership training for teachers of talented art students are described in two research studies: the first involved focus groups of 18 teachers at the 1994 Artistically Talented Program at Indiana University; the second surveyed the 1991-95 participants. The program was found effective in meeting its immediate goals of…

This article describes Young Graduates, a program designed to enable academically gifted pupils get the best from their formal education and secure the best place available in higher education to support their career aspirations. The program provides intensive Saturday workshops followed by ongoing networking activities and contact with the…

Responding to a definition of creativity, 449 Chinese language teachers identified imagination foremost, followed by inspiration and original ideas as a component of effective writing. Teachers identified developing student confidence and providing an open atmosphere as essential means of fostering creativity. The majority of teachers, however,…

This article describes the Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM) and examines the relationship between gifted programs and total school improvement using the SEM. Goals of SEM include a school SEM specialist, a strong research base, a broadened conception of human potential, and educational experiences grounded in a high-end theory of learning.…

Discusses how music teachers must account for the needs of all children within their classroom, including gifted and talented students and special needs students. Presents a strategy, "Multi-level Instruction Profile," that can be utilized to provide enrichment, accommodation, or modification to classroom lessons. (CMK)

The pioneering work of Leta Hollingworth (1886-1939) in using above-level testing with highly intellectually talented young people is recounted and related to contemporary activities of the Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth. (DB)

The William and Mary Mentorship program for gifted and talented students in grades 8 through 11 matches student interests with selected college students for 1 semester. The program is in its fifth year of operation and has been evaluated through analysis of formative and summative data. Recommendations for implementing such a program are included.…

The research on identifying and educating gifted youth supports the use of multiple identification measures, accelerated instruction, and ability grouping. (Author/TE)

Eminent Canadian women (n=197) provided their perceptions of their parents' characteristics. The women generally saw their parents as encouraging, supportive, achievement-oriented, and not particularly controlling. Most identified their mother as the most influential person in their lives. Results support the idea that there are multiple pathways…

Educators of the gifted are urged to use effective media strategies to promote gifted programs, including cultivating contacts with media personnel; targeting newsworthy content; selecting an appealing format for content; enhancing program image through use of the Driver Rider Matrix; writing effective news releases and features; making radio and…

Describes Iowa State's Exploration Program, a one-week course for gifted/talented youth, which includes videotapes, experiments, computer programing, debugging, and a final project. Provides objectives, material and equipment needs, and a student quiz. (SK)