The digest addresses ways in which gifted and talented students are identified. Commonly used identification systems include matrix systems, the Talent Search Identification Model, and the Revolving Door Identification Model. Major questions about identification practices include inappropriate use of certain instruments and the inadequacy of existing measures to identify certain subpopulations. Guidelines for identification procedures and criteria include the use of identification criteria specifically related to the definition, reasonable cutoffs, allowance for an appeals procedure, and the use of reliable and valid performance indicators. The most frequently used sources of information include test scores, ancedotal records, student products and performances, peer and self ratings. A brief list of references concludes the digest. (CL)