The volume purports to define the structure and substance of special educational provisions offered to California gifted children (in the upper 2% of general mental ability). Following a review of California's program of special education for the gifted, the nature of special education for the gifted is defined in terms of principles, needs, and student and teacher behavioral objectives. Content, concepts, and learning tasks in the various subject areas and grade levels are summarized. Critical issues in the education of the gifted examined include both societal and school-related issues. Discussion of the evaluation of curriculum and instruction covers goals and problems of program evaluation, and assessment of characteristics of the gifted. (KW)