Lewis Terman is widely seen as the "father of gifted education," yet his work is controversial. Terman's "mixed legacy" includes the pioneering work in the creation of intelligence tests, the first large-scale longitudinal study, and the earliest discussions of gifted identification, curriculum, ability grouping, acceleration,…

The main argument of this article is that human living systems are open, dynamic, intentional systems and, therefore, are capable of building ever more complex behaviors through self-organization and self-direction. This principle underlying general human development is also applicable to the development of gifted and talented behaviors. These…

Theories are discussed concerning the relative significance of biological and environmental issues to giftedness, with discussion organized into the "onset" period of the late nineteenth century, with contributions by Charles Darwin, Frances Galton, and Karl Pearson; and the "flowering" period of the early twentieth century with Lewis Terman. (JDD)

Analysis of the psychological traits and childhood environments of foremost essayists, historians, and critics (N=42) suggested that, while intelligence was a component of eminence, environmental influences were substantial. Familial, school, and social conditions provided indispensable support during the childhoods of the future essayists.…

A survey of 125 musically gifted adolescents, 123 parents, and 88 teachers found students believed their success was due to inborn ability and hard work, parents attributed their children's musical accomplishments to encouragement provided by family and friends, and teachers attributed students' musical development to innate talent, hard work, and…