The Take a Trip program is an authoring and storage system for designing challenging curriculum. Using the power of hypermedia, specifically Apple Computer's HyperCard, Take a Trip provides course file stacks, help stacks, and personalized learning plan stacks. Designed to assist the user when new units are written, the help stacks provide an…

This manual is designed to help local school district personnel evaluate programs for gifted pupils. It is not intended to replace evaluation which relies on strict statistical analysis. It can, however, supplement the results of such evaluation or, in the absence of such evaluation, provide a picture of the coherence and consistency of the…

This pamphlet is designed to help parents lobby for state-level funding of gifted programs. Suggestions for making telephone calls and writing letters to representatives and senators are offered along with sample scripts for a telephone call and a letter. A description of the 15-step legislative process for gifted education bills in Illinois is…

To provide direction to school systems and individual schools as they plan, develop, and implement new programs, this guide sets forth criteria for curricula geared toward gifted and talented students. The criteria are also intended as a tool for schools to use in assessing and improving their current offerings for students. An introduction…

The guide is intended for those planning inservice training for teachers of academically gifted students. Initial chapters focus on the characteristics and needs of academically talented students and review of research on general inservice education. The succeeding chapters detail the following steps in inservice program planning: conducting and…

This guide to assessment of learning based on the theory of multiple intelligences (MI) stresses the use of rubrics or guidelines that establish criteria and indicators of success. Part 1 examines the theory of evaluation and rubrics in three sections that address: current evaluation methods and their biases; effective evaluation methods and their…

This article explores four variables that can help gifted students learn: (1) time (including using acceleration, curriculum compacting, dual enrollment, multi-age classrooms, self-pacing, pre-assessments, and telescoping); (2) structure (including structuring content, the process, and the environment); (3) support (including using encouragement…

This article discusses the experiences gifted secondary students have had with pre-Advanced Placement, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate programs. Key traits essential for teachers of the gifted are identified: a high degree of intelligence; extensive knowledge of the subject matter; emotional maturity; and a strong self-concept.…

The option of early entrance to college for gifted students is reviewed. Considered are advantages of early entrance, early entrance programs available at a variety of colleges and universities, social and emotional concerns, and potential difficulties of early entrance. Specific recommendations are offered to maximize the chances of success. (DB)

This paper offers suggestions for providing accelerative opportunities for rural gifted students. Guidance is provided on overcoming local barriers and the chronic lack of sufficient resources in rural areas. Strategies incorporating telecommunications, cooperation with other districts and universities, faculty inservices, and community mentoring…

This reprint of an article on using grade advancement as a method for meeting the needs of some intellectually or academically gifted students is preceded by a commentary that concludes that popular sentiment and negative folklore supporting grade advancement are unfounded. Grade advancement guidelines are provided. (Contains references.) (CR)

This "Packet of Information for Families" (PIF) was developed for parents whose children are identified as both gifted/ talented and on the autism spectrum, or twice-exceptional. Parents of twice-exceptional children often search for appropriate and challenging enrichment programs for their child, but the dearth of information available…

This guide offers teaching models based on the theory of multiple intelligences (MI) and applies these models to the design of lessons that address the unique learning needs of all students. The first chapter makes the case for integrating MI into the curriculum. The second chapter describes the capacities of the various intelligences. Chapters 3…

Examines various services available to gifted undergraduate students, including admission to college without high school graduation; credit for previous advanced work; identification during and after admission; advising by specialized personnel; career planning; and special programs (e.g., honors programs, admission to graduate courses,…

Describes how teams of grade 4-9 gifted students investigated unsolved mysteries like Bigfoot, aliens and UFOs, the Loch Ness Monster, and Stonehenge to develop Internet and research skills. Highlights student observations on difficulties encountered using the Internet for research, notes student evaluation of the workshop, and provides addresses…