This manual for Idaho school districts covers the identification, assessment, and educational needs of students (ages 5-18) who show intellectual promise, specific academic performance, leadership, and creativity or talent in the visual or performing arts. The manual also addresses the needs of underserved students who are gifted, including rural residents, underachievers, the economically disadvantaged, students with disabilities, and students from culturally diverse backgrounds. The state definition of gifted/talented, characteristics of gifted students, myths regarding gifted children, and principles for curriculum differentiation are presented. Methods to evaluate the range of student abilities and talents are discussed, including standardized tests, criterion-referenced tests, observations by teachers and other personnel, nominations, student interviews, portfolios, and extracurricular activities. Testing approaches are identified for students with severe physical impairments, visual impairments, hearing impairments, learning disabilities, underachievement, and extreme giftedness. Program options for serving gifted students are noted, along with program evaluation guidelines. Appendices include parent and teacher rating scales, checklists, other identification instruments, interview questions, evaluation criteria for student portfolios, and forms for numerous administrative uses. Also included is information on resource materials and organizations. (CR)