Although differentiated learning for high-ability students in heterogeneous classrooms is as important as for other children, gifted students' needs are frequently overlooked. Instead of offering extra credit, teachers should compact the curriculum, design alternative learning experiences, allow differentiated pacing, and agree on expectations.…

This paper discusses findings from the first two years of a 6-year longitudinal study related to the recruitment, training, and retention of quality students into teaching. The paper highlights the importance of developing "adequate indicators" to guage our conceptions of quality and provides selected, standardized instrument data from the study's…

Correlation of 82 academically gifted adolescents' personality scores with scores for identity exploration revealed that youth who were actively exploring (according to Erik Erikson's ego identity theory) exhibited the following psychological portrait: inner confusion, agitation, dissatisfaction, unhappiness, periodic spells of depression,…

Reports on a study of the possession and use of toys among 151 gifted and 135 average German elementary students. Finds that only the use of toys typical for boys displayed a mildly significant effect for giftedness. Also finds both groups exhibited gender-specific toy possession and toy use to an equal degree. (CFR)

This article describes the Munich Longitudinal Study of Giftedness (initially including about 25,000 students) and concludes that, although the multidimensional model proved to be useful in predicting achievement behavior, the typological attempts failed. Distinct differences between academically gifted and creatively gifted students were found.…

Describes characteristics of mathematically gifted students and how teachers can identify, instruct, and assess such students through observation, conversation, classroom activities, and individual testing, using true mathematical problems geared for the specific student. Cross-curriculum indicators of talent, classroom structure, and…

In certain contexts, some academically advanced students employ coping strategies that manipulate the visibility of their ability. These strategies may include denying giftedness, hiding giftedness, gaining favor by helping others, denying the negative impact on peer acceptance, conforming to mask giftedness, and minimizing focus on popularity.…

Results of an evaluation of a college honors program are presented. Honors students at the State University of New York at Oswego were compared to four other student samples attending the same college: (1) nonhonors students matched on sex, major, and grade point average; (2) students who had dropped out of the honors program; (3) students invited…

This report presents an evaluation of the Alternative Teacher Education Program (ATEP) at Kent State University, which was developed to recruit and retain academically gifted students into teacher education. Three categories of questions form the basis for the evaluation: (1) How effective was the collaborative planning and monitoring process…

In fall 1986, a pilot honors program was initiated in the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) to meet the needs of highly motivated students. A four-part evaluation of the pilot project was conducted in 1987, involving a survey of the educational and demographic background of all honors students conducted during the beginning of the…

Procedures are described for use in foreign language classes that tap the characteristics of gifted students. Each activity is directly associated with at least one of the cognitive characteristics attributed to the gifted, which are listed in the introductory section of the paper. The procedures include the following activities: conducting a…

Reports on a study of 295 academically gifted students enrolled in four midwestern community colleges. Considers student demographics, high school background, perceptions of quality of instruction, and involvement in honors programs. Discusses implications for practice. (DMM)

Perceptions of experienced teachers (N=83) and junior and senior education majors (N=100) toward characteristics (athleticism, diligence, and academic brilliance) of hypothetical high school students indicated that both groups most highly rated (valued) athletic students, regardless of other attributes, and most lowly rated…

This paper explores the impact of teacher bias on identifying students as gifted or talented. It reviews findings from an investigation that developed a series of hypothetical student profiles to assess teacher nomination bias of gifted students. The profiles were also used explore both the interaction of gender with student interests and work…

Describes the origin and evolution of a course to meet the needs of gifted independent readers. (JL)