The author examines the status and recent changes in the education of gifted and talented students in Australia and the United States. Seven issues are addressed (sample subtopics in parentheses): ambivalent attitudes toward egalitarianism and excellence (equality of opportunity vs. equality of outcome); definitions and assessment of gifted/talented students (determining talent areas); criteria for judging the appropriateness of special programs for gifted/talented students (match between the program and the characteristics of talent areas); organizational alternatives for content development and delivery (learning settings); staffing issues (teacher preparation and certification); and support for research on the gifted/talented. The desirability of a cross national study is emphasized. (CL)