This compilation of four journal issues on gifted education in California focuses on the following topics: (1) literacy for the 21st century; (2) technology; (3) reflections on gifted education; and (4) politics. Major articles include: "English Language Arts in California's Schools: A New Beginning" (Diane Levin and Catherine Barkett); "Parents Promoting Literacy" (Marilyn Morrison); "The Illiterate Gifted Student: Oxymoron or Reality" (Kathie Aihara); "Nurturing a Nation of Nonreaders: Teaching Reading for Pleasure in a Show-Me Society" (Angel Barrett); "Teaching Literacy to Gifted Students" (Bill Raabe); "Read Aloud to a Gifted Child?" (Lisa Heimlich); "Bilingual Literacy" (Robbie Wedeen); "An Internet Primer" (Judy Lieb and Tony Anderson); "Exploding Myths About Television and Children" (Milton Chen); "Don't Let Your Kids Have All the Fun: Become A Computer Literate Parent" (Marilyn Morrison); "Computers: The Home Schooling Connection" (Roberta Ponce); "The Software Explosion: A Guide to Selecting Instructional Materials For Gifted Students" (Hillary S. Hertzog); "Technology Copyright Laws: Your District Probably Has a Policy--Do You Know the Guidelines?" (Marge Hoctor); "And the Internet Shall Set You Free? Road Signs and Insights for the Internet Traveler" (Andy Rogers); "The Internet: Check Your Sources" (Sara Armstrong); "Student As Instructor Project: Using Instructional Television To Empower Students" (Victor Lamkay); "Gifted and Talented Education Moves Forward" (Catherine Barkett); "Parent Involvement: Past and Future" (Sharon A. Freitas); "How To Turn Your Summer Vacation into a Learning Experience" (Marilyn Morrison); "Gifted Education Politics: School Reform" (Lisa Jeffrey); "Raising Our Children To Be Educated Voters" (Marilyn Morrison); "How Can I Get Involved? Being an Advocate for Gifted Education at All Levels of Government" (Lisa M. Heimlich); "Seven Characteristics of Highly Effective Technology Leaders" (John A. Vaille); and "Pondering Politics in the Classroom" (Victoria Siegel and Sandra N. Kaplan). (CR)