This document, a first "theme" issue of a projected quarterly publication on developments in gifted education, focuses on theoretical principles and practical suggestions concerning student identification for gifted programs in Texas. The first article, "Developing Defensible Identification Procedures," is by Tommie Sue Anthony. It notes that school districts must: (1) recognize that schools often present barriers to identifying gifted minority students; (2) understand that as much diversity of talent exists within the gifted population as within the general population; and (3) include recognized "best practices" in the identification process. The second article, by Mary Keller, is entitled "A Holistic Approach to the Identification of Gifted Youth." It suggests that a comprehensive, child-centered procedure has advantages both for participating professionals and students being assessed. The third article, "Using Product Portfolios for Student Assessment for Gifted Programs," by Julie Duncan and Edie Dougherty, provides information on using nontraditional assessment measures. A question and answer section on various issues related to student identification including Texas rules concludes the issue. (DB)