Borders--places where nations, people, and their cultures come together--are interesting spaces. The meeting may be friendly enough, but borders are by their nature places of "otherness," where those who are moving from one place to another are often conceived of as not belonging. High-ability students in this state of "otherness" have particular…

This article presents lesson plans that incorporate tiered objectives and brainstorming techniques as means for differentiating instruction and ensuring that learners are challenged at levels commensurate with their abilities even though they are developing an understanding of the same physics concepts. A listing of materials and resources…

As a general practice throughout the U.S., gifted students are left to work out their own issues. Although gifted students are generally not considered "high-risk," they too need special attention. High-achieving gifted students experience similar feelings of social and physical anxiety, just like their peers. Additionally, gifted students expect…

This article presents a brief history of three Korean high schools for mathematically gifted students. It describes how these schools operate, how their mathematics curricula differ compared to those of regular high schools, the admissions criteria, curriculum offered, and the student and teacher population. This review of specialized, science,…

The Library Media Center of the Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, a high school specializing in Government and International Studies, located in Richmond, Virginia, serves close to 650 gifted students in grades 9-12. The skills of Governor's students range from the neophyte ninth-grade researcher to experienced faculty members embarking on their…

The director of a high school gifted education program discusses the transition from high school to college and reports on a survey of 97 gifted students four years after high school graduation. The survey addressed challenges and adjustments in the transition to college, whether students' high abilities were perceived as assets or liabilities,…

Describes "Reaching for the Stars," a program which develops teaming and mentoring skills in senior physics students. Phase 1 requires student pairs to design a rocket; Phase 2 pairs seniors with gifted second graders who build the rocket from written instructions; and in Phase 3, pairs of seniors create a children's storybook explaining one of…

Describes a two-week instructional unit for ninth-grade gifted students which emphasizes development of ethical thinking and decision-making skills using a structured group-discussion methodology. Students formulate discussion questions through a multi-step process. Unit guide sheets, brainstorming examples, and activity schedules are included.…

Describes a three-week summer course on humor for gifted high school students. Outlines 10 reasons for studying humor and describes the development of the course and activities during each of the three weeks. (DB)

Describes the Israel Arts and Science Academy, an independent boarding school that brings together talented musicians, artists, mathematicians, and scientists. Discusses the school's faculty, curriculum, out-of-school programs and student selection, and the evaluation of the program by teachers and students. (CR)

A teacher of an advanced placement English class of over-stressed, over-busy, and rebellious gifted seniors describes how she used Kafka's "Metamorphosis" to help them adjust to this transitional period in their lives while keeping all reading and assignments within the class period. (DB)

Describes how a small Texas rural school district provided services to a high school student who had learning disabilities and was also academically gifted. Recommendations for providing services to twice exceptional students are given, including the need for open and flexible educational plans. (CR)

Describes across disciplines in the culture, literature, science, art, and music of the Renaissance. The program featured student exhibits, performances, projects, and demonstrations and a visit by a professional actor posing as William Shakespeare. (DB)

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…

Describes a program that uses independent study in English to engage gifted high school students. The program requires students to leave school to research a topic of choice, present the acquired knowledge, and determine their own grades. The students pursue their projects with the help of mentors. (CR)