This report identifies how involvement with the arts provides unparalleled opportunities for learning that enables young people to reach for and attain higher levels of achievement. The research provides examples of and evidence why the arts should be more widely recognized for their current and potential contributions to the improvement of U.S.…

Shows that only 21 states have legislation designed to aid gifted children (termed those with intelligence scores of 120 and above). (DS)

Reviews characteristics of gifted and talented students and discusses teacher training for individuals who will serve this population. Holds that education of the gifted and talented should be placed in the context of the general quality of education and considered as part of the total concept of schooling. (GC)

Independent study for gifted and talented middle-level students progresses through five stages, from the affective sensing of a problem to be solved through assessing both product and process. J. Renzulli's Enrichment Triad model can serve as a framework for independent study, which must be carefully structured and guided. (CL)

The importance of applying multiple selection criteria from the beginning in the identification of gifted students is stressed. Approaches which use achievement and intelligence tests as a primary screening criteria before applying multiple criteria are said to be only skin deep. (CL)

It is important to develop total "ownership" in gifted programs so that regular teachers, administrators, and community members realize the benefits of serving the above average student. (CL)

The Super Saturday program, an extra school program at Purdue University providing minicourses at a fast pace for gifted children in grades 1 through 12, has been judged positively by parents, teachers, and students. (CL)

Desired competencies for teachers of gifted children are reviewed (including knowledge of the nature and needs of gifted students, ability to develop methods and materials, and creative problem solving skills), and the structure and content of graduate training courses in gifted education are considered. (CL)

The role of the school psychologist in gifted education can include developing identification procedures, describing behavioral characteristics, and educating parents. (Author)

A study involving 89 junior and senior high school students was conducted to validate an identification instrument which classifies behaviors into six categories--convergent, divergent/creative, goal oriented, social skills, physical skills, and affect/feelings. The six behavior clusters characterized most students in the study. (SW)

Uses 227 elementary education majors to investigate the effect of past musical training on students' present ability to perform on music achievement test items. Investigates if a difference existed between students with training and those without training, and if a difference existed in the type of training. (Author/AH)

Curriculum must be adapted to match the ability and developmental stages of the academically gifted. The Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth at Johns Hopkins University determined that curriculum flexibility, not change, is the best approach. (JOW)