This article discusses how schools can best meet the needs of precocious children by giving them access to higher level and more challenging instructional materials. Findings from a study of 40 precocious third and fourth graders are described and the benefits of acceleration are highlighted, particularly grade advancement and advanced placement…

This article explores some of the key issues associated with the use of information and communications technology (ICT) in the classroom. To illustrate ICT integration, a teaching project on dinosaurs, which has been developed with students ages 10-11, is presented. A detailed scheme of work and lesson plans is included. (Contains 4 references.)…

In this interview, Seokee Cho, the Director of the Research Center on the Education of the Gifted and Talented, discusses the implementation of gifted education in Korea, key issues in gifted education, the role personality plays in giftedness, the importance of mentors, parental involvement, ability identification, and fostering giftedness. (CR)

This article discusses the development of gifted education in Hungary and the special counseling services for gifted children available at the Centre for the Gifted in Budapest. The Centre provides professional help from psychologists, counseling for choosing an appropriate school and/or supplementary programs for gifted children (ages 3-14), and…

The first six years of a new program to organize high-level scientific research training for gifted high school students in Hungary are described. Besides giving top-level research opportunities for talented students in their most receptive age, the program has already helped the establishment of almost two hundred scientific research clubs.…

This article describes Young Graduates, a program designed to enable academically gifted pupils get the best from their formal education and secure the best place available in higher education to support their career aspirations. The program provides intensive Saturday workshops followed by ongoing networking activities and contact with the…

A study explored gifted education in Slovenia and found the following positive developments: new school legislation that provides pupils with the possibility of acceleration, pedagogically important international expert scientific conferences on giftedness, introduction of financially supported additional classes for gifted elementary students,…

This article discusses England's national strategy to improve the quality of gifted and talented education. The strategy includes: intensive area-based programs through localized excellence initiatives; a regional dimension through "GATE A", the new gifted and talented education arm of the London Challenge; and resources for student, parents, and…

This article traces recent developments in a national strategy for the education of highly able pupils in England, focusing on the government's Excellence in Cities school improvement program. The program seeks to ensure that gifted and talented pupils are identified and provided with opportunities to fulfill their potential. (Contains…

This article discusses England's development of an Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth. The academy will develop, implement, and support educational opportunities for gifted and talented children up to the age of 19, as well as provide support for parents and educators. The academy's talent search, outreach program, summer schools are described.…

This article discusses the development of World Class Tests in England that enable gifted students to celebrate their achievement within an international context and to enter the World Class Arena. The Arena is being constructed as an international forum where educators and teachers can communicate on research and best practice. (CR)

This article discusses the development of Able Pupils Extending Opportunities (APEX) Saturday Workshops and Summer Schools in England. The APEX program is focused on building confidence and extending the experiences of pupils from Year 1 to Year 9. Identification, recruitment, application procedures for workshops and summer schools are described.…

A study examined the transcript of a group enquiry conducted according to the practice of philosophical enquiry with eight gifted children (ages 8-12). Use of a central metaphor was seen to play the role of a "conceptual playground," permitting the children to exercise both their imagination and their reasoning abilities. (Contains references.)…

This article describes a project that involved two groups of able students (ages 11-14) identified by teachers to work on problems set by two local industries. The project was designed to enrich the curriculum by developing problem solving skills and understanding of the application of science and technology in industry. (CR)

Four case studies of gifted education programs in England are described, including the development of a teacher handbook based on the principles behind accelerated learning, the identification of students with musical ability and the provision of musical instrument lessons, and the development of a portable information communication technology…