Gifted students sometimes camouflage themselves behind a facade of underachievement. Causes of underachievement include: (1) social and emotional conflict due to societal misconceptions, expectations, and stereotypes; low self-concept; and family instability; (2) a stifling or inhibiting academic environment; and (3) physiological and neurological…

This article identifies students at risk for substance abuse, characteristics of substance abusers, and the difficulties of obtaining a valid special education assessment when alcohol or drugs are involved. Recommendations are offered for special educators to address the needs of exceptional pupils who may be using alcohol or drugs. (JDD)

This discussion among seven experts in gifted education covers: (1) curriculum and formal/informal instruction; (2) social climate; (3) teacher characteristics; and (4) identification of gifted students for a special high school in Israel. (Author/KM)

Compared the performance of 338 children on the Miller Assessment for Preschoolers (MAP) in a follow-up study, to eight indices of school functioning, including retention in school, teachers' observations, assignment to special classes or services, and report card grades. Preschoolers with low MAP scores were significantly more likely to be…

Computer Adaptive Sequential Testing (CAST) is a test delivery model that combines features of the traditional conventional paper-and-pencil testing and item-based computerized adaptive testing (CAT). The basic structure of CAST is a panel composed of multiple testlets adaptively administered to examinees at different stages. Current applications…

This pamphlet is designed to help parents recognize and encourage their gifted preschool children. It begins by discussing some of the interests of very young children and lists strategies for facilitating and supporting those interests, including: provide the child with opportunities to find out about a variety of topics; be a role model for…

This monograph deals specifically with the challenge of recognizing or assessing creativity. Following an introductory chapter, chapter 2 focuses on definitions and characteristics of creativity to help clarify the nature and meaning of creativity and creative thinking, and to consider the implications of those definitions for assessment. The…

This journal issue presents four major articles on cultural diversity issues in the education of gifted students. The first article is "An Alternative Approach to the Identification of Gifted Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners" by Carol S. Lidz and Sheila L. Macrine. It evaluates a dynamic assessment approach to…

This guide is intended to help schools and classroom teachers in Alberta provide successful school experiences for gifted and talented students. Section 1 focuses on program administration, including Alberta legislation, policy, and regulations; district administration of programs; and school administration of programs. Section 2 identifies an…

This document presents minimum standards for approval of gifted and talented programs that meet the requirements of the Standards of Accreditation adopted by the Arkansas State Board of Education February 22, 1984, which have been effective since June 1, 1987. Included are guidelines enabling school districts to: (1) establish equitable criteria…

The effectiveness of several methods used to identify intellectually superior black children was evaluated. Findings suggest that less commonly used identification methods, such as parents' opinion and the Leiter International Performance Scale, may point out these children more accurately than do traditional measures. (Author/PP)

Scores on Kaufman's (1977) McCarthy short form and the McCarthy Screening Test (1978) were obtained for first graders (N=53). As follow-up nine months later, the Metropolitan Achievement Test was administered. Results showed Kaufman's short form scores usually indicated a smaller number of false negatives than did McCarthy Screening Test scores.…

The author reviews research on gifted and talented students and describes several programs for the gifted. He states that educators must identify and analyze problems in dealing with gifted students and design programs which meet their individual needs. (KC)

Explores how ideas about early learning have developed over time and proposes a new pedagogical view that goes beyond the deprivation model. Identifies three antinomies that have emerged as ideas about early learning. Concludes that children must be accepted as members and participants in the culture and be given opportunities to make and remake…

This article discusses the underrepresentation of children from minority backgrounds in gifted education and the ultimate goal of gifted education to make children's lives better. Barriers to appropriate gifted identification are discussed and include state/local requirements and inadequate identification procedures, stereotypes and racism, and…