The paper examines the nature of giftedness. Part I reviews enduring questions and sources of controversy in the search for the meaning of giftedness, including the purpose for defining giftedness, difficulties with isolating a unitary definition of giftedness, and the distinction between gifted and potentially gifted persons. Part II describes…

This reprinted 1980 article with a 1988 update presents an Individual Educational Program model for gifted and talented students. It allows students to cover basic material at different rates, provides opportunities for pursuing advanced topics, and concentrates on individual strengths rather than weaknesses. Functions of key personnel in…

Discusses problems of underachievement, especially among potentially high ability students, and the difficulties inherent in reversing this process. Presents new perspective and strategies that promote success. Describes Type III enrichment experiences as a means to unleash students' potential. Speculates as to what causes turnaround within an…

The report analyzes research on characteristics of gifted and talented persons and suggests a rationale for identification systems. The importance of an operational definition is emphasized, and various conceptions and definitions of giftedness are reviewed. Problems with the U.S. Office of Education definition are cited. Three cluster areas…

The gifted education model described here provides elective "talent pool" classes--within the standard class schedule--that integrate enrichment activities with the academic curriculum in any given subject area. (MCG)

This manual describes development and use of the revised "Scales for Rating the Behavioral Characteristics of Superior Students" (SRBCSS-R), a teacher judgment instrument appropriate for use as one measure in the identification of gifted students. Part 1 explains the judgmental and empirical procedures used to revise the items on the original…

This article considers how the Schoolwide Enrichment Model, originally developed for gifted and talented students, can be applied as part of a comprehensive plan for total school improvement. Modifications to existing curriculum content and skill development are suggested to help all students realize their full potential. (Author/DB)

A major problem facing schools is lack of curricular differentiation and academic challenge for the most academically able students. Also, contemporary textbooks have been "dumbed down." Curriculum compacting is a flexible, research-based technique enabling high-ability students to skip work they already know and substitute more…

This article describes an enrichment cluster approach designed to create highly challenging learning opportunities that allow high potential students to identify themselves. The enrichment clusters focus students' attention on authentic learning applied to real-life problems. Guidelines for enrichment clusters are discussed, along with the teacher…

The Schoolwide Enrichment Model is a blueprint for total school improvement that stresses flexibility and creativity and promotes challenging, enjoyable learning across all school types, levels, and demographic differences. The model combines organizational resources with three service-delivery components: the total-talent portfolio,…

Intended for persons concerned with evaluation of programs for gifted children, the guidebook (in working draft form) provides information on purposes of program evaluation, evaluation models and concepts, designing an evaluation program, and selecting an evaluator. Pointed out are the author's biases against such practices as the overuse of the…

In today's high-pressure atmosphere to "get the scores up," teachers and students find themselves faced with more and more highly-structured, prescripted lessons that allow for little creativity and exploration. However, both students and teachers deserve a balanced education that includes exciting opportunities to delve into areas of strong…

This article describes the Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM) and examines the relationship between gifted programs and total school improvement using the SEM. Goals of SEM include a school SEM specialist, a strong research base, a broadened conception of human potential, and educational experiences grounded in a high-end theory of learning.…

The Teaching the Talented Program in the School of Education at the University of Connecticut is a graduate program designed to prepare teachers and leadership personnel in programing for exceptionally able young children and youth. The program can be completed in one year or up to seven years. (JDD)

This article describes a continuum of definitions of giftedness from conservative to liberal and discusses how these definitions relate to the development of the 3-ring conception of giftedness. In this definition, above average ability, task commitment, and creativity are seen as 3 interactive clusters of traits that gifted students may exhibit.…