This article describes a New Zealand elementary school that offers a Friday afternoon "options" class to allow all students the opportunity to solve real-world problems through the development of authentic products and services. One of the classes, an inventions class involving five students (ages 11-12), is discussed. (Contains 9 references.) (CR)

This article describes recent developments in gifted education in New Zealand. Government initiatives that have resulted in professional development programs and the creation of a gifted and talented community within the Ministry of Education's Online Learning Center are discussed, and recommendations by the Working Party on Gifted Education are…

Discusses the active advocacy role of teachers of gifted children. Describes basic principles of advocacy, the importance of effective communication and transactional communication, the need to focus on single issues and keep the message simple, letter-writing and phone calls, and dealing with the media. (CR)

Discusses the themes of "Good Will Hunting" and "Titanic" and their messages to educators. The need for gifted children to have an array of people in their lives to nurture their abilities and the need for the development of a New Zealand national policy for gifted children is emphasized. (CR)

Describes how a group of gifted primary-school children in New Zealand explored the Internet in a workshop project organized around solving the mystery of what happened to the Titanic. Insets include the student "contract," a listing of Web sites, and the evaluation instrument. (DB)

Information on writing competitions for elementary and secondary grade students is provided including the Future Problem Solving Program, the Scenario Writing Program, the Ann Arlys Bowler Poetry Contest, and the "Kids Are Authors" contest. Summarizes four references for young authors on getting published. (DB)

Describes a New Zealand workshop for 10 gifted children (ages 10-11) that used computers to foster innovative ideas and provide opportunities for creativity and problem solving through independent and group learning experiences. The children brainstormed about the future and designed an original "MicroWorld" using the theme "future." (CR)

Strategies useful in a public relations campaign for gifted education include mass media (such as television, newspapers, and brochures); interpersonal communication (including telephone hotlines, direct mail, and workshops); and special events (such as contests, proclamations, sponsorships, and booths at malls and civic events). (JDD)