Discusses the need for gifted and talented students to develop annual talent growth plans with the assistance of their counselors or program coordinators. Lists potential talent development services (such as mentorships, Odyssey of the Mind, and grade advancement), and describes the components of a sample growth plan used with approximately 600…

Describes the use of chess instruction to develop abstract thinking skills and problem solving among gifted students. Offers suggestions for starting school chess programs, teaching and evaluating chess skills, and measuring the success of both student-players and the program in general. (PB)

A Saturday enrichment program at Purdue University for gifted students is described. The program gives students opportunities to explore areas of interest, work with expert teachers and compatible peers, and have access to the university's resources. Student selection, teacher selection and training, and evaluation of program results are…

Five residential programs are offered in the summer at Purdue University for gifted youths in grades 4-12. The short-term programs emphasize intensive enrichment courses in many academic disciplines, and focus on recreational activities as well. Student eligibility, teacher selection and training, and program evaluation are described. (JDD)

The reprinted 1978 article with a 1988 update advocates a combination of enrichment and acceleration to meet the needs of gifted youth. It presents a three-stage enrichment model to develop: (1) divergent and convergent thinking abilities; (2) creative thinking and problem solving strategies; and (3) independent learning abilities. (VW)

Seminars, characterized by high level content, interaction, discussion, and individual study and research, are an effective instructional format for gifted and talented students. Examples of seven seminar programs at both elementary and high school levels are briefly described. Stressed is the importance of the proper physical and psychological…

To deliver challenging, high-level, fast-paced instruction in public schools, the gifted and talented must be grouped together for at least those subjects in which they are talented and need differentiated instruction. Arguments that less able youth suffer in the absence of gifted students are flawed. (MSE)

Twenty-one teachers and counselors at three two-week summer residential programs for the gifted responded to a survey concerning behavioral signs of leadership, linkage of leadership and giftedness, development of leadership skills, sex differences in leadership abilities, and conditions that facilitate leadership development. (DB)

Saturday programs can enrich schools' offerings to gifted/talented youths by providing in-depth, accelerated study in areas of interest, with the opportunity to study under high-level specialists. Important considerations in development of Saturday programs include teacher selection, training, and supervision; evaluation; financing; curriculum…

The article focuses on giftedness in preschool-age children, including: the importance of early identification of giftedness, identification methods, techniques for providing a nurturing environment in the home, needs of parents of gifted children, and school programs for serving the gifted. A bibliography of relevant books and periodicals is…

This article looks at decision factors in early admission or grade advancement for young gifted children. Specific criteria are offered for determining the appropriateness of both early admission and grade advancement. Special training for teachers and parents of gifted children is encouraged. (DB)

The COMET summer residential program at Purdue University (Indiana) offers gifted and talented youth in grades 4-6 a week of intensive study in a single content area. Courses stress specific problem-solving skills and development of a rich knowledge base. Extensive program evaluation by students, teachers, counselors, and parents was highly…

Provision of full-time programs for highly gifted students at both the elementary and secondary levels is supported, and guidelines are offered on criteria and procedures for student selection, curriculum and teaching methods, characteristics and training requirements for teachers, findings of research on special classes, and the need for…

This article delineates characteristics and needs of gifted youth which should be addressed in developing the gifted curriculum, presents guiding principles for curriculum development, illustrates the goal writing process, specifies definitions and parameters of the process, and illustrates the development and use of scope-and-sequence documents.…