This article discusses the need for competitions and contests in schools to develop and enhance talents in academics, fine and performing arts, leadership, and service learning. An academic contest school assessment checklist is included. Information on several national contests for children and youth is presented. (CR)

This study investigated self-actualization and locus of control in 59 academically gifted adolescents using the Reflections of Self by Youth and the Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale for Children. No significant gender or grade differences were found, though locus of control scores supported the idea that high-achieving students tend to…

Presents counselors with educational alternatives for gifted secondary students including college level courses and examinations for credit. Presents survey information from several colleges and universities about their early enrollment policies and educational alternatives for gifted students. (PAS)

A legal framework for resolving disputes in gifted education is slowly evolving. The major components of the framework include legislation, court cases, due process hearings, administrative regulations, Letters of Findings issued by the Office for Civil Rights, negotiation, and mediation. The paper provides suggestions for navigating the existing…

In "Centennial School District v. Commonwealth" the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that the school district only had to provide individualized instruction to the gifted student within the district's present curriculum. The decision can be cited as persuasive authority in the 25 states that have mandatory gifted education statutes. (MLF)

The media calls them the wizards of tomorrow, the fix-it-kids, athletes of the mind, star players, and champs. These are the young people who compete and win academic, artistic, leadership, and service related competitions. Competitors spell words as difficult as autochthonous, make new scientific discoveries, compose poetry, publish their short…

All adults are needed to support and advocate for kids to provide a solid base on which they can grow. Gifted children are no exception. In order to effectively advocate for gifted children, one must know about national, state, and local laws and about policies providing effective programming and services for this population of students.…