The document describes desirable practices for the education of gifted early adolescents in Virginia. It contains recommendations to assist in implementing a comprehensive plan for gifted middle-grade students compatible with state plans for overall middle school education. Research on students this age and on gifted students is cited to support recommendations addressing the following areas: (1) climate--achievement, success, and recognition; (2) organization and structure--specialists, departments, and teams; (3) curriculum--knowledge and skills across the disciplines; (4) curriculum--the expanded core; (5) curriculum--elective, activity, and service; (6) instruction--diversity of instructional needs; (7) instruction--grouping and tracking; (8) instruction--cooperative learning; (9) student services--guidance and counseling; (10) differentiation--articulation and transitions; and (11) looking ahead--career education and college preparation. Includes 27 references. (DB)