This article describes the revision of the writing sample component used as one of five identification criteria for placement in a gifted program. A checklist of characteristics common to gifted writers was developed to be used in evaluating the students' creative writing responses to specific literature selections. A rubric for scoring writing…

This article addresses gifted students who are at risk or have learning disabilities and thus may not be identified as gifted. The definition of giftedness is discussed, and profiles of students who are gifted/at risk and gifted with learning disabilities are provided to better identify these students. (CR)

This article presents scenarios that rationalize a developmental approach to giftedness. It argues that in order to be gifted, one needs to be increasingly active in one's own development as an adult. The implications of viewing giftedness as developing from being to doing are discussed. (Contains references.) (CR)

Ninety-two preservice or inservice teachers were asked to categorize characteristics and behaviors according to whether each described a student identified with an emotional/behavior disability (EBD), who is gifted, both, or neither. Results revealed stereotypical thinking in the identification of characteristics of students labeled EBD. Results…

This article illustrates the use of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to explicate constructs underlying performance assessment tasks based on Gardner's (1993) theory of multiple intelligences. Data from Plucker, Callahan, and Tomchin (1996) were reanalyzed using CFA. A model with three factors that combined linguistic and interpersonal…

Strategies are discussed that provide a theoretically sound, valid, and practical framework for evaluating the processes used in identifying gifted/talented students. The strategies stress assessing the relevance of instruments used, their reliability and validity, their limitations, and using a variety of evaluation techniques. (JDD)

Four nomination forms were used to identify 15 intellectually gifted, hearing-impaired students, aged 5-20. Compared to controls, the nominated group had a higher mean intelligence quotient percentile and a higher mean score on the nomination forms. Each of the forms was capable of distinguishing between subjects and controls. (Author/JDD)

This article discusses the validity of using conventional psychometric tests to assess the abilities of disadvantaged pupils, justifies the use of alternative assessment procedures, emphasizes the importance of changing teacher attitudes toward the disadvantaged gifted, and suggests ways to nurture and develop the talents of disadvantaged…

This research focuses on problems involved in identifying children who are both gifted and learning disabled (GLD). The state of the art is demonstrated by surveying procedures in use in Texas by special education and gifted programs. Results yield characteristics of GLD children that are consistent with observations in the literature. (Author/PB)

Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence construct is considered from the perspective of its viability in gifted education, especially in comparison with the more traditional Intelligence Quotient-based construct of intelligence. Empirical and theoretical support and contradictory findings are discussed from the literature in cognitive science and…

Reviews investigations of McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities as applicable to Puerto Rican and Mexican American children. Information too limited to draw conclusions regarding Puerto Rican applicability. Scales show promise as intelligence test for Mexican Americans. Recommends further research, especially among special education students.…

Recommended training videos on early childhood special education are described. Individual videos deal with integrating preschoolers with hearing impairments, identifying gifted preschoolers, transdisciplinary assessment, social integration of children with disabilities, an interdisciplinary inservice training project, and early childhood team…

Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences offers educators a comprehensive framework for identifying giftedness in diverse student populations. A definition of problem types is presented that, when combined with varied intelligences, forms a problem-solving matrix for designing assessment procedures and developing curriculum. (JDD)

The Early Assessment for Exceptional Potential portfolio assessment model assesses children as exceptional learners, users, generators, and pursuers of knowledge. It is based on use of authentic learning opportunities; interaction of assessment, curriculum, and instruction; multiple criteria derived from multiple sources; and systematic teacher…

In this interview, concern is expressed regarding the low number of students being served in gifted programs. Giftedness is defined in terms of above average ability, creativity, and task commitment. The parents' role in stimulating their children's creativity and intelligence is discussed, as are ability grouping versus tracking, and curriculum…