Recommendations of the Maryland Task Force on Gifted and Talented Education concerning the current status and future needs of gifted and talented education are presented. Recommendations are offered concerning the following issues: appropriate recognition of giftedness and services for all gifted and talented students, world-class curricular standards, system-wide flexibility, well-trained staff, a state mandate for gifted education, funding, a state definition of giftedness, a State Office for Gifted and Talented, summer centers, local action plans, local gifted and talented supervisory positions, counseling services, teacher selection, early childhood education, gifted and talented identification, provision of a range of services and educational options, appropriately challenging curriculum and instruction, mathematics and science curriculum, acceleration options, grouping practices, the local advisory council, parent involvement, community resources, teacher training standards, undergraduate and graduate teacher training programs, gifted education certification option, state-sponsored training centers, staff development, increased opportunities through use of technology, special funding and technical assistance, a gifted and talented advisory council, a statewide database, a statewide initiative, and a state report card. Appendices provide additional information on gifted and talented education in Maryland, the charge to the Task Force, a list of Task Force members and others contributing to the report, and other sources of assistance. (Contains a 60-item bibliography.) (DB)