Gifted teenagers in middle and high school benefit from classroom environments that support their social and emotional development. Teachers of gifted adolescents may create classroom environments in which young people know it is safe to be smart and where they feel valued and respected for their intellect, creativity, and passions. By utilizing…

When thinking of leaders, people usually think of those in positions of power, such as political leaders, religious leaders, or student leaders. Yet, leaders can be found in all spheres of life, and leadership behaviors can be learned particularly in a small-group format (Hellriegel, Jackson, & Slocum, 2005). This article presents ideas and…

In 1999-2000, a field study of eight North Carolina schools was conducted; four senior project schools and four control schools were selected. Researchers identified four treatment schools that had institutionalized senior projects for at least 4 years, with all seniors participating in senior projects and with all the program components (research…

This article describes the Pinnacle Project, a weeklong mentorship program designed to cultivate extraordinary talents in young scholars by pairing them with an established master in his or her field of interest. Two essays by student participants discuss the power of a mentor and the benefits of the program. (CR)

This article describes the positive outcomes of a 3-week residential program on mathematics problem solving for gifted rising high school seniors. The program incorporated a curriculum that integrated five process standards espoused by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics including problem solving, reasoning and proof, communication,…

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…

This article discusses the experiences gifted secondary students have had with pre-Advanced Placement, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate programs. Key traits essential for teachers of the gifted are identified: a high degree of intelligence; extensive knowledge of the subject matter; emotional maturity; and a strong self-concept.…

This article contains excerpts from "Feminist Theory from Margin to Center" (Hooks, 1984) to introduce gifted students to the concept of oppression in order to enable them to recognize and appreciate both the importance and the limits of purely sexist oppression. Discussion questions on oppression are provided. (Contains 2 references.) (CR)

This article uses excerpts from Jean-Paul Sartre to examine the meaning of being human and also what it means to be free as a human being. It discusses how Sartre's thoughts on freedom and responsibilities may be usefully applied in science and social studies instruction for gifted students. (CR)

This article provides suggestions for parenting gifted adolescents, including: say yes as often as possible, give adolescents choices, provide opportunities for career exploration, allow adolescents to try on different personalities, help adolescents develop moral thinking, be your adolescent's excuse for resisting antisocial behavior, and…

Describes a dynamic, innovative leadership conference that meets the needs of leadership training for gifted secondary students. The conference provides an opportunity for underachieving gifted students to excel, and for gifted students to design, develop, and implement the entire conference while having fun and experiencing success. (Author/CR)

Provides general suggestions for introducing philosophy to middle school gifted students. Offers reasons for teaching philosophy, identifies the major elements of philosophy, and urges the reading and discussion of primary sources. Gives ideas for classroom procedure, and an example using six brief excerpts on friendship from Aristotle. (DB)

Discusses the types of problems faced by talented adolescents, including family and peer relations, biological and developmental issues, negative and harmful school culture, drug and alcohol abuse, inappropriate academic curriculum, underachievement, perfectionism, and stress. Strategies teachers can use to meet the socio-emotional needs of gifted…

Examines ways of helping gifted adolescents cope with a perceived stigma. Research is cited showing that many gifted adolescents believe they are treated differently because of their abilities and behave differently because of this belief, including denial of one's giftedness. The school's role, ability grouping, and special needs of gifted girls…

Describes a high school commercial art program for gifted students that focuses on "real-life causes" and enables the students to make connections with their own feelings and creativity, with learning resources and experiences, and with the community and the world beyond. Different students' experiences are detailed. (CR)