From the 1990s until 2017 the High Ability and Inquiry Research Group (HAIR) at McGill University in Montreal, received C$1.3M in research funds from Canadian, Quebec, and US agencies to support its research and graduate training in education and educational psychology. Their research encompassed two principal areas, Inquiry in Education and…

The paper reviews studies (1966-1985) of the intellectual abilities of culturally diverse 4-5 year olds in a discussion of the identification of giftedness in culturally diverse populations. Studies are cited which involved Mexican American, Black, Native American, French Canadian, and Belgian students. The following six topics are addressed: (1)…

Basic assumptions regarding the process of identifying gifted children for special preschool programs are examined in light of traditional and contemporary definitions of giftedness. Uses and limitations of various identification techniques are discussed with an emphasis on approaches which are being used currently to identify gifted preschoolers.…

The author reviews the literature on infant behaviors in relation to the psycholosocial development patterns of gifted children during the first five years of life. Among the milestones discussed are infant crying, smiling, language development, social cognition, and social curiosity. It is pointed out that research data indicates gifted children…

The article reviews research regarding the peer relationships of children considered gifted because of IQ or academic rank. Studies are noted with preschool, elementary, and high school gifted populations. (SB)

This research review concludes that precocious reading ability is a complex skill, and levels of specific subskills vary widely among individuals. Precocious reading ability is moderately associated with general intelligence and with academic achievement. Parents may encourage the early development of reading through natural and mutually enjoyable…

Describes a four-level system for planning and implementing learning centers for gifted early-childhood classrooms. The levels are: teacher-planned/teacher-directed, teacher-planned/student-directed, student-planned/teacher-directed, and student-planned/student-directed. The philosophical, curricular, and instructional foundations for the…

The paper presents a review of the evaluation research on programs for young (preschool through grade 3) gifted children. Questions addressed concern the effectiveness of various program approaches on measures of general and specific abilities and the nature of existing reports. Topics reviewed include grouping strategies, preschool programs for…

Research on the validity and reliability of four tests (Group Inventory for Finding Creative Talent, Group Inventory for Finding Interests I and II, and Preschool Interest Descriptor) which use the characteristics approach in screening elementary/secondary students for programs for the creatively gifted is summarized. (CL)

The limited research on precocity in infants and preschool children is reviewed, examining specifically the problems of: describing young gifted children, predicting their future development, determining the origins of high achievement motivation and commitment, and nurturing the talent at home and/or in the preschool. (Author/JDD)

This review and commentary on research on signs of giftedness in preschool children focuses on feats and failures of child prodigies, development and measurement of early giftedness (including acceleration through developmental stages and early predictors of giftedness), and effects of caretaker child interaction on precocious development. (JDD)

This paper reviews historical trends in provision of services to young gifted children, with particular emphasis on inhibiting factors preventing greater services. Work with young gifted children and their families is then discussed, focusing on children from upper- and middle-class backgrounds, with handicapping conditions, and from low-income…

This report provides research-based answers to questions facing families of young, gifted children. Questions include: (1) "what does "giftedness" mean in a very young child?"; (2) "how does one know whether a child is gifted?"; (3) "should my young child be tested?"; (4) "how do adults promote the development of gifted children?"; (5) "does a…

This report provides research-based answers to questions about literacy development from infancy to age 6, with emphasis on the development of these skills in precocious readers. The question-answer format considers the importance of reading with young children, other activities to help young children learn to read, normal development of reading…

This book discusses findings and recommendations of the Committee on Minority Representation in Special Education of the National Research Council. In chapter 1, the current study of the disproportion of minorities in special and gifted education is put into historical context. In chapter 2, an analysis of federal data on the representation of…