The article discusses ways in which school consultants -- counselors, school psychologists, and gifted facilitators -- can assist parents in understanding: (1) the meaning of the gifted designation; (2) advantages and disadvantages of the label; and (3) issues related to the gifted identification and labeling process. (Author/DB)

This paper suggests the use of the term "marked aptitudes" to describe exceptional attributes of pupils. It is felt that this avoids the misleading connotations of "gifted" and focuses on the specific area that is exceptional. (Author/DB)

The study explored teacher attitudes towards gifted programming and the gifted label, and determined whether teacher attitudes changed after being involved with an elementary school gifted program. Twenty-nine elementary classroom teachers in Jefferson County, Colorado, were surveyed as their school was beginning to host a full-time,…

Labeling is a social process involving the labeled individual and society. Labeling a student "gifted" can have both positive and negative effects on the labeled student, the student's parents, siblings, teachers, and others. Suggestions are offered to maximize the positive elements of the label and to minimize its negative elements. (JDD)

An educator of the gifted reflects on issues equally relevant to gifted students and their teachers including being stifled by misconceptions about giftedness, spending more time reflecting on future efforts than on current achievements, and awkwardness about using the term "gifted" in relation to self. (DB)

Examines ways of helping gifted adolescents cope with a perceived stigma. Research is cited showing that many gifted adolescents believe they are treated differently because of their abilities and behave differently because of this belief, including denial of one's giftedness. The school's role, ability grouping, and special needs of gifted girls…

This article discusses arguments for and against ability grouping as reflected in the literature and research work. Such tracking problems as segregation, stigma, and elitism are discussed, as are between-class vs. within-class grouping strategies and specifically designed programs for the gifted. (PB)

A school psychologist and parent looks at issues related to testing for "giftedness," including labeling and placement (or non-placement) in special programs. Factors to consider in deciding whether to have a child tested are considered, with examples given of students whose individual situations and personalities either do not qualify them for…

This article gives suggestions for bibliotherapy as a counseling strategy to help gifted boys dealing with six issues: image management, self-inflicted pressure, the trauma of being labeled "different," male bonding, cultural expectations, and gender role conflict. Thirty children's books addressing these issues are suggested. (DB)