Explores the multifaceted nature of giftedness and describes the Total Talent Portfolio (TTP), a framework for talent development of gifted students that requires giving equal attention to interests and learning styles as well as to cognitive abilities. Explains the major dimensions of the TTP. (CR)

The Multiple Menu Model is a practical set of planning guides that can assist developers of curriculum for gifted students to combine content with instructional strategies. Planning menus in the areas of knowledge, instructional objectives, student activities, instructional strategies, instructional sequences, and artistic modification and a…

Describes the Schoolwide Enrichment Model, a systematic set of strategies for increasing student effort, enjoyment, and creative productivity. Explains the Total Talent Portfolio, a model component and vehicle for systematically gathering, recording, and acting on information about students' abilities, interests, and learning styles. Illustrates…

This article presents a general theory for developing creative productivity in young learners by examining interactions among: the learner (abilities, interests, learning styles); the curriculum (content and methodology of a discipline, structure of a discipline, appeal to the imagination); and the teacher (knowledge of the discipline,…

Gifted education faces a quiet crisis as reform movements focus on cosmetic administrative changes in school organization and management rather than interaction among teachers, students, and the material to be learned. Two goals of American education are presented: providing the best possible education to promising students and improving the…

Summarizes theories of intelligence leading to Paul F-Brandewein's theory of the three-ring conception of giftedness and how that theory led to the development of the Schoolwide Enrichment Model. Explains how the Schoolwide Enrichment Model can be customized based on local resources, student population, school leadership dynamics, and faculty…

Discussion of the standards issue in gifted education stresses the value of program models characterized by academic freedom and development of creative expression and urges that lists of standards and high-stakes testing do not replace a rich curriculum. (Contains references.) (DB)

This paper describes how educators can develop authentic enrichment clusters to provide highly engaging learning activities that make schools enjoyable places for gifted students. Part 1 of the paper discusses the importance of authentic learning, in which the student applies relevant knowledge, thinking skills, and interpersonal skills to the…

The effects of a creativity training program on 18 classes of middle grade and high school level educable mentally retarded (EMR) students were investigated. Ss received instruction with a systematic set of creativity training materials for a 12-week period while 12 control group classes continued regular classwork. Criterion groups were compared…

A plan for schoolwide enrichment is presented as a model for promoting excellence in education and schoolwide change. Components of the plan include a nonelitist meaning of the term "gifted," a variety of important roles and responsibilities for all personnel involved, and creation of an atmosphere of excellence. (JDD)

Development of the Student Product Assessment Form to evaluate formally the products of students in gifted and talented education programs is described. Results from content validation procedures, reliability tests, scoring, and interrater agreement indicate that the assessment tool is both reliable and valid. (Author/JDD)

Students' preferences for creating potential products were explored through use of "My Way ... An Expression Style Inventory". Analysis of data from 3,532 students allowed examination of content and construct validity for the instrument. The article suggests practical applications for the inventory in talent-development programs such as those…

This article argues that the field of gifted and talented education is entering a period of intense change in ability identification, programs, teachers, classrom practices, funding, and terminology. Three questions are posed: "What changes within the field herald a reconceptualization?"; "How does the current transformation differ from previous…

To develop an educational program that works for every student, it is important to consider that learning style differences do exist and that learning style matching can positively affect achievement. Methods to help teachers assess student preferences are discussed. (DF)

This book provides a detailed guide to implementing the Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM), a research-supported model originating in special programs for gifted and talented students but not extended to school improvement across the full range of school types, levels, and demographic differences. Individual chapters address the following topics:…