Ten years ago, in 2001, the U.S. Congress enacted the "No Child Left behind Act" (NCLB). This landmark act focused on standards-based education with the goal of raising challenges and improving student achievement. Advocates for gifted children have been concerned over the law's silence regarding talented and high-achieving children. In the first…

In this article, the authors discuss Governor's Schools as an alternative for gifted students. When the word school is used, people typically think about traditional schooling. But Governor's Schools are different in the type of schooling provided and the type of students served--they educate predominantly gifted children, teach a wide array of…

The enigmatic author Lemony Snicket is quick to establish from the start that happy events are not to be expected in his collection, "A Series of Unfortunate Events." Every happy event in the lives of the three clever and charming Baudelaire children is countered with an even more unfortunate one, events rife with misery, misfortune, and despair.…

Project EXCITE was developed and implemented specifically to raise the achievement of gifted minority students in a large suburban school district of Chicago so that they could qualify for advanced programs and accelerated tracks in high school in mathematics and science. This paper describes the goals, components, eligibility, and selection…

Whether math problems require computation skills, problem solving strategies, inferential thinking skills, or deductive reasoning, mathematically talented students are often able to discern answers with unusual speed and accuracy. Mathematically gifted students are able to see relationships among topics, concepts, and ideas without the…

This article explores four variables that can help gifted students learn: (1) time (including using acceleration, curriculum compacting, dual enrollment, multi-age classrooms, self-pacing, pre-assessments, and telescoping); (2) structure (including structuring content, the process, and the environment); (3) support (including using encouragement…

Many of us may not perceive a link between the traditional tale of "The Three Little Pigs" and Stein's "Goosebumps" series, but Ivan, a 6-year-old in my classroom, did. I had used the story of "The Three Little Pigs," along with other traditional tales, to point out the introduction, complication, and resolution structure of simple narrative.…

This article discusses the characteristics of the gifted reader including above-average ability in key skills, task commitment, and creativity. Underachieving gifted readers, identification procedures for gifted readers, and classroom programming for gifted readers are addressed, and the advantages and disadvantages of enrichment and acceleration…

This article examines how schools can ensure the well-being of gifted children. It discusses the benefits of acceleration and critiques the practice of cooperative learning. The need to challenge gifted students in highly systematic and informed ways, wherein learning takes place just within intellectual reach, is urged. (Contains 1 reference.)…

This article describes the Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM) and examines the relationship between gifted programs and total school improvement using the SEM. Goals of SEM include a school SEM specialist, a strong research base, a broadened conception of human potential, and educational experiences grounded in a high-end theory of learning.…

This article discusses the purpose of block scheduling, types of block scheduling (alternate day, accelerated block scheduling, and the Copernican Plan), and how many facets of block scheduling can enhance gifted and talented learner experiences. The need for teacher training to meet the needs of gifted learners is emphasized. (Contains…

This article profiles the Rockwood School District, a district that has adopted a differentiated instruction to accommodate learning differences in children. Tiered assignments are described, along with the benefits of differentiation and the impact on student learning. Suggestions for educators wanting to develop a district-wide plan for…

The mother of a 14-year-old college freshman recounts her daughter's educational development and experience at various schools. She describes the different attitudes of teachers and administrators and her difficulty in obtaining an appropriate education for her daughter. She concludes that her daughter is finally appropriately placed academically,…

Describes different options available for gifted high school students, including seminar classes, independent studies, special programs, mentorships and internships, service projects, advanced electives, and extracurricular activities. Options for adjusting the pace of the high school experience are discussed, along with the importance of…

This article describes common student traits found from analysis of self-reported experiences of six radically accelerated gifted youths. It concludes that intellectual ability far above the average and student eagerness to accelerate are prerequisites for successful radical acceleration. Descriptions by two students of their accelerated programs…