An introductory chapter, "Contemporary Issues in Gifted Education" by Julia Dreyden and Shelagh Gallagher, summarizes National Science Foundation policy concerning development of new science and mathematics curricula and the work of the Talent Identification Program. Major conference papers and responses are then presented: "Developing Academic Talent: A Problem of Vertical Integration" (Alvin Trivelpiece); "Student Panel Discussion" (Zerrick Bynum et al.); "The Cognitive Roots of Scientific and Mathematical Ability" (David Perkins and Rebecca Simmons); "The Importance of Developing Leadership Potential of Youth with Talent in Mathematics and Science" (Kenneth Clark); "Purchase and Possession: A National Database for the Scientifically, Mathematically and Technologically Talented" (Robert Sawyer); "The Federal Republic of Germany's Response to the Need for Talent in Mathematics" (Ernst Blanke); "Current Federal Education Policy Regarding the Academically Talented in Mathematics, Science and Technology" (Krista Stewart); "Creating Scholar/Practitioner Networks for the Most Capable Youth in Mathematics, Science and Technology" (Don Phillips); "Brilliant Women for Science, Mathematics and Engineering: Getting More than We Deserve?" (Shirley Malcolm); "Better Measures: Developing More Minority Mathematicians and Scientists" (Judith Griffin); "Motivating the Most Capable Youths in Mathematics and Science" (Kevin Bartkovich); and "The Development of Educational Support Systems for the Academically Talented: The Talent Search Approach" (William Durden). (JDD)