This study was a follow-up to a 1993 study which surveyed Iowa school districts to compare types of programs for gifted students in Iowa with the 16 types found in a 1985 national survey (the Richardson study). The present study examined the five program types which the 1993 study identified as having a large number of characteristics significantly different from expectation, given the proportion of results. Significant characteristics of the following five program types are identified: (1) part-time special program; (2) independent study gifted program; (3) itinerant teacher gifted program; (4) mentorship gifted program; and (5) full-time special class gifted program. Characteristics that the programs shared are identified and recommendations offered. The paper concludes that: these five program types as used by Iowa schools fall short of principles of excellence; the part-time special class (pull-out program) should be replaced with the full-time special class; a version of the full-time special class should be provided for intellectually above-average students; and modular programs and supplementary materials should be used in teaching science to K-8 gifted students. The survey questionnaire is appended. (DB)