This question-and-answer-style document describes the policy and process of implementing and enforcing prerequisite and corequisite courses in California community colleges. Prerequisites are defined as a condition of enrollment that students are required to meet prior to enrollment in particular courses and programs. A prerequisite signifies that…

Middle schools throughout New York State were surveyed regarding the recruitment of gifted students. Data from 199 schools revealed that most middle schools in New York do not have programs for the gifted and when they do, minority students are underrepresented. A multivariate analysis of variance demonstrated that none of the identification…

This book uses humorous cartoons and commentary on giftedness to provide parents with information on the characteristics, challenges, and joys of parenting a gifted child. Characteristics of gifted children that are highlighted include advanced intellectual ability, verbal proficiency, curiosity, creativity, high energy, focus, passion, and…

Proposes a method of standardizing the assessment units of measurement that apply to individualized education program (IEP) development. The model presented consists of four phases: (1) ability assessment, (2) achievement assessment, (3) discrepancy assessment, and (4) program development. Suggests a careful analysis of information may affect IEP…

Validity data are provided for the Adaptive Behavior Inventory for Children (ABIC) and the Estimated Learning Potential (ELP) which are components of the System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment (SOMPA). Results lead the author to conclude that caution is indicated in the use of the two procedures. (JKS)

This paper discusses the limitations of assessment procedures used with ethnic minority students in South Africa, using a nationwide survey of psychologists to gauge their knowledge of culturally fair and appropriate assessment techniques. The Learning Potential Assessment Device is recommended for the assessment of giftedness, intelligence, and…

This article reviews factors affecting the persistent underrepresentation of black students in gifted education and offers suggestions for recruiting and retaining these students. It is argued that a deficit orientation held by educators hinders access to gifted programs for diverse students, and that too often educators interpret differences as…

A university-public school cooperative project (Project STREAM) in Wisconsin has been identifying sixth-grade minority students with potential for postsecondary education and providing them with systematic attention through middle and senior high school. Teachers and students have identified eight strategies as being particularly effective in the…

Results are presented of a national survey of state policies regarding identification of gifted students from special populations (culturally diverse families, economic disadvantagement, or gifted students with disabilities). Also considered is a followup study on the implementation of state policies in Ohio, Arkansas, and Texas. Future policy…

Assesses the ability of elementary school teachers to identify at-risk students using three prominent indicators. Summarizes the reasons teachers give for identifying a student as at risk. Concludes that teachers are moderately accurate estimators of students' likelihood of being academically at risk. (Author/BB)

A national survey examined state policies for identification of gifted students who are culturally different, economically disadvantaged, disabled, or in some way at risk. Progress was found in the areas of greater public awareness, screening procedures, formal identification processes, and program initiatives. A sidebar describes the Jacob K.…

This paper offers a model of the nature and development of talents, which views genetic factors as determining potential strengths and setting limits and views abilities, aptitudes, and intelligences emerging as a result of experiences, motivations, and styles. Specific talents are characterized by precocity, creative insight, a functional…

The Kentucky Governor's School for the Arts organized "College Day" in conjunction with two Louisville-area high schools, to provide talented students with an opportunity to showcase their skills and provide colleges and universities an opportunity to identify potential students. (JDD)

This article describes critical events that have shaped gifted education, including: publication of "A Nation At Risk," the Roeper School, differentiated curriculum, concepts of intelligence, the Marland Report, the Torrance Tests, Teachers' College at Columbia University achievements, the legacy of Leta S. Hollingworth, Sputnik, and…

This paper reviews the literature on assessment bias issues in special education. While assessment instruments yielding a single IQ score are seen as useful components in a comprehensive multifactored assessment, and are the primary tool of diagnosis for mental retardation, they are found to be irrelevant when applied to students with learning…