Introducing the essays in this publication, Virginia A. Elliott and Lois S. Josephs review the problems of teaching English to the academically talented student. Essays are by (1) Michael F. Shugrue, who surveys, from 1958 through 1968, the achievements of conferences, Curriculum Study Centers, and the Dartmouth Seminar; (2) John Simmons, who discusses the necessity and difficulties of identifying talented students in English; (3) Arno Jewett, who explores the problems of motivating bright underachievers; (4) Lois S. Josephs, who delineates the need for sensitive, perceptive teaching of gifted disadvantaged students; (5) Fred H. Stocking, who recommends ungraded, elective courses to stimulate bright students; (6) John A. Hart and Ann L. Hayes, who consider how a spirit of mutual inquiry, discussion, good student-teacher relationship, and creative writing can foster creative thought; (7) Virginia A. Elliott, who analyzes the training and characteristics necessary to teach talented students; and (8) Lois M. Gross, who reviews educational programs in the sixties for academically superior students. A selected bibliography is included. (JM)