This comprehensive guide to identification of gifted and talented students in Indiana is intended to aid the 85% of Indiana school districts which provide programs for gifted students. A relative, rather than absolute, standard is proposed for identifying the top 5 to 7 percent of students. Giftedness in the areas of intellectual/academic abilities, visual and performing arts, creativity, and leadership is addressed. Individual chapters consider the following: (1) step-by-step processes involved in identification of gifted/talented students; (2) the underlying philosophy, guiding principles and relevant portions of state law; (3) preparation for identification procedures (e.g., determination of program philosophy and program options and staffing); (4) guidelines for selecting identification instruments; (5) suggestions for selection of criterion levels, data analysis and appeal, review and exit procedures; (6) techniques for identifying underserved populations (e.g., underachievers, racial minorities, rural, and handicapped students); (7) inservice training of staff in identification procedures; (8) student selection; and (9) methods to evaluate the efficacy of the identification policies. The 10th and final chapter presents a summary of the processes presented and planning guidelines. Appendixes provide additional information on formal measures, informal measures, abbreviations and symbols, and resources in Indiana. Also provided are a 54-item bibliography and a 112-term glossary. Many tables and sample forms are also included. (DB)