The author was pondering the parent perspective of acceleration, and she realized that people are always hearing "ifs" and "buts" when discussing this topic. There are many "if" and "but" questions. In this article, the author focuses on the following four: (1) "If" my child is complaining of being bored in class, does that mean he or she needs to…

The parent of an extremely intelligent child discusses what it is like to live with a child who exhibits a different web of cognition, perception, intuition, and mental processing; the necessity of educational acceleration for learning to achieve and develop self-esteem; and the importance of challenging material in learning the satisfaction of…

Considers reasons gifted girls fail to reach their potential, pointing to extraordinarily good social adjustment as a factor in their tendency to underplay their talents and lose sight of their academic goals. Suggests ways in which teachers, parents, and counselors can provide guidance for gifted girls at particular education levels. (DMM)

This article examines the challenges and successes experienced over four years by three academically gifted students with deaf-blindness in inclusive educational programs, and presents recommendations about placement of students with similar needs in inclusive programs. (Author/DB)

Four authors present arguments and counter-arguments on issues in gifted education, including student boredom, the atrophying of abilities not used, advanced classes which focus on ability but are out of step with student interests, problems of social adjustment in grade-skipping, etc. All authors stress the importance of the whole child. (JDD)

The mother of a 14-year-old college freshman recounts her daughter's educational development and experience at various schools. She describes the different attitudes of teachers and administrators and her difficulty in obtaining an appropriate education for her daughter. She concludes that her daughter is finally appropriately placed academically,…

It appears extremely advantageous for highly gifted children if their parents can work in close collaboration with education authorities. How an individualized education program for one child was devised, and comments on preschool and tertiary education are given. (MNS)

A mother reviews the radical acceleration of her high school daughter who will enter college at the age of 14. She recounts both positive and negative experiences during elementary and middle school, the encouragement of individual educators, flexible scheduling to allow taking advanced courses at other institutions, and barriers of school system…

This booklet addresses current research on the needs of gifted students and the relationship of these needs to the philosophy and intent of some of the major trends in educational reform and restructuring. Eight major reform trends are examined in terms of definitions, philosophy, key elements of the literature, examples of practical applications,…