A collection of learning activities viewed as challenging and suitable for junior high students in grades 7 and 8 are presented. The questions are designed to suggest other situations and encourage mathematically gifted pupils to develop, practice, and refine analytical thinking skills. (MP)

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.…

A 16-item questionnaire concerning independence and 3 divergent thinking tests were administered to 3 groups of preadolescent boys (N=91) and their mothers as part of an ongoing longitudinal study of exceptional giftedness. Results indicate significant correlation of mothers' and boys' independence scores with divergent thinking test scores. (TJH)

Surveyed schools to determine the relationships between honors and advanced placement (AP) science courses. Concludes that, once AP classes are established, honors classes typically undergo a period of redefinition and are either eliminated or assume subservient roles. (Contains 21 references.) (MDH)

Recommends institutionalizing curriculum policy initiatives for gifted learners at state and local levels that are compatible with new state standards and assessments and also consider flexibility, differentiation, and articulation in planning and implementation. Support structures such as grouping and teacher education must also be incorporated.…

The results of a series of empirical studies on perfectionism in the gifted are reviewed. Contrary to common beliefs, results indicate that perfectionism is not greater in the gifted and that striving for perfection is more likely to stimulate healthy achievement needs than to be associated with personal or academic maladjustment. (Contains…

In this article, the Advanced Placement (AP) Program of the College Board is described. It discusses the quality and standards for AP classes and examines the success of AP students, AP Scholar Awards, and resources for information on the AP program. A list of AP subjects and examinations is provided. (Contains references.) (CR)

The International Mathematics Tournament of the Towns is a mathematics competition for junior and senior high school students all over the world. The tournament began in 1980 in the former Soviet Union. Participants write contest papers locally, with emphasis on solving within a very generous time allowance a small number of interesting problems.…

Although the sources and effects of sex role stereotyping on personal, vocational, and cultural aspects of society have been documented, little research has focused on strategies for changing stereotypic views. To investigate the effectiveness of a short, intense teaching session on sex role attitudes, 51 gifted ninth and tenth grade students…

A program evaluation was conducted of a summer program for academically gifted students in 5th through 10th grades. The purpose of this study was to evaluate discrepancies and congruencies among program teachers, counselors, and students in perceptions of program goal emphasis. The evaluation instrument used was a rating form composed of 60 goal…

This conference presentation discusses the place, framework, and importance of establishing a national database of academic talent in mathematics, science, and technology. A vision of such a database is presented, in which educators and researchers are urged to transform rationales for research from the reactive toward the active, to turn from a…

Brief discussions of general vs. special ability and of mathematical reasoning ability form the introduction of this paper on the education of mathematically gifted students. The second section of the paper describes the annual mathematics talent searches conducted by the Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth (SMPY). The third section covers…

Neither parental attitudes nor perception of mathematics as a male domain appear to account for sex differences in mathematics achievement on the SAT for gifted and above-average junior high school students. (MNS)

Describes a creative leter writing activity that involved eighth and tenth graders assuming characters from the modern age and Middle Ages. (HOD)