Perspectives regarding education for the gifted and talented and excellence in education are addressed in this third volume of a 1982 public hearing. Statements from professional associations and from the public concerning education for the gifted are provided. The following positions are taken: there must be increased development of fully-funded education programs for gifted, talented, and creative students; ongoing communication is needed to inform practitioners on educational developments in other states; research is needed along with professional development and teacher training, and summer programs; there is limited understanding of what gifted young children aged 4 to 8 are capable of doing; and in order to better calibrate standardized tests by which the performance and abilities of students are measured, government-sponsored research and development funds are essential. Information is provided on: a 2-week summer institute for gifted and talented high school seniors from Maine; an enrichment program to promote articulation from high school to college for gifted and talented students at Southeastern Massachusetts University; results of a study on the progress of gifted students in special programs; social and emotional components of giftedness; nonachieving gifted students; and a mentor program using volunteer adult professionals to work with the gifted. (SW)