This paper discusses how elitism and anti-intellectualism have affected the teaching of intellectually gifted students. It examines methods of identifying the intellectually gifted child. It traces trends in education of the gifted through history and discusses the issues of equity, elitism, and anti-intellectualism which have resulted in…

The dynamics of underachievement among gifted and nongifted black students were studied with students in grades 6 through 9 in 5 Virginia public school districts. A traditional model of underachievement, defining it through a regression model, and a nontraditional model that used grade point averages (GPAs) and self-reported level of effort in…

What giftedness really means has been discussed over centuries. This exploration, by a researcher involved in the study of mathematically talented youth, considers that giftedness may take many forms. The construct of general intelligence is probably the most widely studied psychological construct, but it is apparent that the IQ is not an ideal…

The academic, social, and emotional benefits of acceleration are widely known. Yet criticism and reluctance to use this educational intervention persist. Some school personnel and families fear that children who accelerate through grades will experience serious social or emotional adjustment problems. This research project compared a nationally…

Results of two studies of microcomputer use for second language instruction at the secondary level are reported. The investigation is based on observations made at the University of Illinois' University High School, which serves academically talented students from the surrounding area. The school's computer laboratory uses software packages for…

This digest addresses principles of planning science programs for high ability learners. It notes various evaluation reports that have reviewed needs in science learning and teaching, identified essential science concepts and processes, and evaluated teacher enhancement programs and curricula. Research on gifted learners in science is briefly…

This paper presents seven basic principles or criteria that mathematics programs for mathematically gifted elementary students should meet. A rationale for each criterion is offered. Grouping these children together in one regular class is strongly encouraged so that they can be in one advanced group, as part of the traditional three groups in…

Recent attention has focused on the decreasing levels of scholastic achievement of youth in the United States, particularly in areas of mathematics and science. In particular, concern has been expressed about the involvement and achievement of girls in traditionally sex stereotyped curricula, such as mathematics and science. This paper reports on…

Noting that in practice, educational research highlighting the negative effects of tracking and ability grouping is often ignored, this book examines the implications of tracking and presents alternatives to this instructional policy. Divided into four sections, the chapters discuss tracking as a systematic barrier to all children, explore the…

This resource guide represents the first comprehensive guide to the innovative practices of accelerated schools. It is designed to be used by a wide variety of participants as a supplement for training, as well as for discussion and guidance in the move to transform schools nationwide. Eleven chapters include detailed descriptions of the…

This digest provides a process for assuring that the unique needs of students who are gifted are addressed within the context of systemic educational reform. Several key elements guide the process: creating belief statements, clarifying the issues, and designing strategies for implementation. Generating belief statements based on what is believed…

Thirteen research syntheses were analyzed to determine the academic, social, and psychological effects upon learners who are gifted and talented of three grouping practices: (1) ability grouping for enrichment; (2) mixed ability cooperative grouping for regular instruction; and (3) grouping for acceleration. It was concluded that the research…

This study was conducted to examine one suburban San Diego (California) school's attempt, under a restructuring plan, to correct resegregation in classroom assignments. A program was developed which combined gifted, regular education, and bilingual students (n=79) in grades three and four with three teachers in a team-teaching approach. Students…

Item components that might contribute to the difficulty of items on the Raven Colored Progressive Matrices (CPM) and the Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) were studied. Subjects providing responses to CPM items were 269 children aged 2 years 9 months to 11 years 8 months, most of whom were referred for testing as potentially gifted. A second…

Various aspects of liberal arts education in the community college are discussed in the 11 articles in this monograph. First, Myron A. Marty presents an overview of current conditions and pressures affecting the liberal arts in the two-year college. Then, Jack Friedlander reviews the data on student participation in liberal arts courses. Ruth G.…