Models of giftedness are not versions of the way the world is, but programmes for improving the world. They uphold visions of the good life, good society, and worthy character. They are vehicles for values. Sternberg acknowledges this in his conclusion: "The important thing is to work together toward a common good--toward devising the best ways to…

Considers reasons gifted girls fail to reach their potential, pointing to extraordinarily good social adjustment as a factor in their tendency to underplay their talents and lose sight of their academic goals. Suggests ways in which teachers, parents, and counselors can provide guidance for gifted girls at particular education levels. (DMM)

This article, anchored in current self psychology theory, defines the self experience as the person's subjective experience of organization and meaning. Traits of giftedness, and the reactions of others to these, are seen to contribute to the gifted self experience. Social and emotional problems of giftedness are thought to be based on a…

The article describes two approaches, based on the ideas of Jerome Bruner, to helping gifted students handle the social-emotional tasks involved in actualizing their abilities. One approach stresses developmental principles of Bruner while the other applies Bruner's principles to personal and group empowering. (DB)

Recognizing the challenges of the future and the great diversity found among students, especially among the gifted, we should design educational opportunities to prepare individuals to contribute to their world. As long as adequate assistance is offered and unwarranted pressures are checked, the gifted will optimize their abilities. (Author/SJL)

In this reprint of an article published in 1978, the role of women in society and its impact on gifted girls is discussed. It is argued that gender stereotypes work against gifted girls and that the women's movement has helped gifted girls develop a new image and concept of womanhood. (CR)

The cofounder of the Roeper School explains the school's focus on the complex inner-conscious and unconscious development of the gifted child and the school's philosophical basis in self-actualization and interdependence. The need to focus on gifted self rather than on defining the gifted child in relation to cognitive development or talent…

This article explores the advancement of gifted girls in the past 25 years and argues that the problem of underachievement of talented females continues to exist. The diversity of gifted women's creativity, their need to engage in meaningful work, and their need to balance work and family is discussed. (Contains references.) (CR)

Offers data on Catholic schools' inability to win academic competitions. Examines reasons Catholic schools have not emphasized high-level training for gifted and talented students. Contends that ideas such as goal-orientation and self-actualization are appropriate for today's Catholic school. (DMM)

This essay argues that academic achievement for gifted students should be viewed in the context of the life of the spirt--life guided by a desire to realize oneself; find and live a vocation; and embody great virtues, such as generosity and love of life. (Author/DB)

This essay takes the form of a dialog between the human "Self" and a questioner and explores the nature of individual self-consciousness, the Freudian model of the self, the development of the self in early childhood, the importance of parents in the self's development, and special problems of self-awareness in gifted students. (DB)

Five traits common to gifted children that result in social and emotional vulnerability are described, including divergent thinking ability, excitability, sensitivity, perceptiveness, and entelechy. Specific issues that parents must face to enable their children to reach their full potential are explored. (Author/JDD)

This response to an article regarding the tension between talent development and personal growth in gifted education argues that dissociation of these two aspects is conditional, not a constant state of affairs. Contingencies and processes responsible for the dissociation are identified and ways to integrated these two perspectives are discussed.…