Describes a process of feedback in which a supervisor challenges a trainee's point of view regarding some aspect of the trainee by pointing out strengths which that individual may not be aware of. It is suggested that the process should help counselor trainees identify and use their strengths more fully. (RJM)

A response to a 1978 article (EC 632 334) on the academically gifted discusses key points in relation to today's field. These include programming options, continuing beliefs that gifted students don't require special help, uses and misuses of ability identification instruments, the important role of the classroom teacher, and the need for…

The paper describes methods of identifying giftedness, instruments for assessing creativity, and the need for a single measure of many different kinds of talent. Development of the Khatena-Morse Multitalent Perception Inventory, which identifies talent in the areas of art, music, leadership, and creativity, is discussed. (JDD)

The paper compares characteristics of underachievers with characteristics of learning-disabled gifted children; describes results of clinical assessments of learning-disabled gifted children; offers guidelines for identifying such students; and discusses teaching strategies that can be used at school and home. (JDD)

The longitudinal stability of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised was examined for consistency in determining eligibility for gifted programs among 66 elementary children. All subtest scales except one remained extremely stable, producing less than one scale score point difference across three test administrations. Children…

Variability of prevalence data for the category of gifted and talented is examined, with respect to two alternative explanations: (1) definitional differences; and (2) differences in the application of definitions. Analysis of state definitions of giftedness and guidelines for student identification found this category to be no less, if not more,…

Elementary teachers (n=9) saw giftedness as having the common characteristic of creativity. However, in nominating students to gifted programs, teachers focused on classroom performance more than creativity. Thus, their observations more closely matched official definitions rather than their personal concepts, and they had not worked to align the…

This paper describes procedures developed by Project Synergy, a federally funded project at Columbia University (New York) to identify economically disadvantaged, potentially gifted kindergarten students in urban schools. The procedures emphasize site-appropriate methods, observation, dynamic assessment, and the concept of best performance. It…

This study examined the scores obtained by 21 elementary-level gifted students on 4 different intellectual measures--Stanford-Binet (LM), Stanford-Binet (Fourth Edition), Otis-Lennon School Abilities Test, and the Cognitive Abilities Test. Results showed that the population of gifted students identified will vary greatly depending upon which test…

Provision of full-time programs for highly gifted students at both the elementary and secondary levels is supported, and guidelines are offered on criteria and procedures for student selection, curriculum and teaching methods, characteristics and training requirements for teachers, findings of research on special classes, and the need for…

Comparison of field-dependent/independent cognitive style of 150 second and third graders (either selected for gifted services, nominated but not selected, or not nominated) found that a field-independent (analytical) cognitive style enhanced the prospect of being selected for gifted services. (Author/DB)

This literature review found little information on the marital status of parents of gifted children and widespread perceptions that most gifted children live in intact, middle to upper-middle class families. The need for data on possible under-nomination of children of divorce in programs for the gifted and on the validity of current…

The article stresses the importance of a creative, supportive classroom environment for the identification and nurturance of children's talents. Guidance is given for questioning techniques, cooperative learning approaches, and fostering the independence of each learner. (Author/DB)

Discusses the Japanese approach to gifted education. Describes how the Japanese do not overtly accept the concept of giftedness and hold capable individuals in check for the benefit of the whole. The need for the Japanese to allow their gifted to be educated for excellence is urged. (CR)

Twenty-four musically precocious boys (ages 10 to 14) were asked questions regarding the crystallizing experience, which is defined as a dramatic event in a person's life that makes inherent giftedness manifest. Results indicated all participants had had a crystallizing experience and that it had improved their self-concept. (CR)