Designed and written especially for the small, rural school district, this document compiles a variety of materials related to planning and implementing gifted education programs. The guidance model (using the school counselor to direct individualized programs for gifted students within the mainstream) is emphasized as a feasible program for districts faced with the problems of small enrollment, geographical isolation, and lack of financial resources. The topics covered include models for gifted education, specific steps in program development, the role and qualifications of the program director, identification of students with high achievement and potential, program evaluation, funding sources, gifted education in the middle school, school testing programs, and the function of mentors for gifted students. The discussion on identifying gifted students suggests a broad range of selection criteria, e.g., teacher recommendations, group achievement and aptitude test scores, examples of student work, self-referral, extracurricular activity performance, and parent information and referral. Included in the materials are numerous student record forms, formats for program evaluation, time lines and checklists for program development, and forms for identifying and recommending gifted students. (JH)