In this study, we used a randomized design to investigate the effects of an enriched reading program on 226 urban elementary students' (third through sixth grade) reading comprehension, oral reading fluency, and attitude toward reading in 2 elementary schools. The Schoolwide Enrichment Model in Reading Framework (SEM-R) provides enriched reading…

In today's high-pressure atmosphere to "get the scores up," teachers and students find themselves faced with more and more highly-structured, prescripted lessons that allow for little creativity and exploration. However, both students and teachers deserve a balanced education that includes exciting opportunities to delve into areas of strong…

The readings in this ready-reference report on specific program evaluations, offer critical guidance in the development and utilization of instruments for assessing gifted and talented programs, and are designed to stimulate the discussion of issues surrounding the evaluation of gifted programs. Key features include: (1) Carolyn M. Callahan's…

Raising some of the most challenging questions in the field, this call-to-arms focuses on the important services gifted programs provide, the potential crisis gifted educators face, and what must be done to keep the gifted child movement alive and well. Key features include: (1) James J. Gallagher's unflinching account of the issues that continue…

Focusing on the social and emotional characteristics of gifted students in general, and underachievers in particular, the sixteen articles in this ready-reference also provide an introduction to appropriate counseling methods for the gifted. Key features include: (1) Expert Sidney M. Moon's comprehensive analysis of some of the most influential…

This guidebook provides a rationale and guidelines for implementing a student-driven learning approach using enrichment clusters. Enrichment clusters allow students who share a common interest to meet each week to produce a product, performance, or targeted service based on that common interest. Chapter 1 discusses different models of learning.…

The aim of this study was to report the development and testing of a model explaining gender differences in the interrelationships among aptitude measures, high school mathematics and science preparation, college academic level, motivational and self-regulatory variables, and grade point average using structural equation modeling and multiple…

A study investigated the effects of providing one type of gifted-education pedagogy, enrichment clusters, to the entire population of two urban elementary schools. The teaching practices of classroom teachers who participated as cluster facilitators were positively affected both in the enrichment clusters and in regular classrooms. (Author/CR)

The application of knowledge in authentic learning situations involves steps like finding and focusing on the problem, gathering information, critically analyzing and effectively communicating the results. The change in the teacher's approach and encouraging use of enrichment clusters system among the students is discussed.

The use of a talent development approach with 16 adults with Williams syndrome that focused on strengths, interests, and learning style preferences was found to enhance all participants' understanding of mathematics and to provide opportunities for the further development of their abilities, especially their music potential. (Contains references.)…

A study of 12 high-ability young adults with learning disabilities found they used the following compensatory strategies to succeed in college: study strategies, cognitive/learning strategies, compensatory supports, environmental accommodations, opportunities for counseling, self-advocacy, and the development of an individual plan incorporating a…

This book is designed to furnish relevant and practical information based on theory and to address the needs of youngsters with advanced abilities, unique talents, and in-depth interests. It is organized into four parts: identifying gifts, interests, and learning styles; program and curricular models for talent development; curricular ideas and…

A study involving university students with (n=53) and without (n=417) learning disabilities (LD) found students with LD differed significantly in the relationships between their motivation for and use of standard self-regulated learning and compensation strategies, which provided a differential explanation of academic achievement for students with…

A study examined the effects of curriculum compacting on the achievement test scores of a national sample of 336 high ability students (grades 2-6). Results indicated achievement tests scores of students whose curriculum was compacted did not differ significantly from students whose curriculum was not compacted. (Author/CR)

This book offers guiding principles for culturally diverse environments and curricular choices to support multicultural inclusiveness. Case studies provide examples of exemplary gifted education programs, emphasizing the aspects of the program that best respond to diverse student populations. Subsequent chapters on gifted and general education…