This theme issue discusses the special needs of gifted students at the middle school level. It presents several articles, editorials, a California funding update, a program spotlight, an educator profile, a column on educational technology, and a book review. An article by Terry A. Thomas, titled "Middle School Madness," discusses middle schools' insensitivity and unresponsiveness to the needs of gifted youth and describes a summer program of accelerated classes to develop the academic talents of middle school students. "Developing Leadership during the Middle School Years" (Margaret Gosfield) describes a leadership training program that involves classroom training, problem solving and decision making activities, individual community service, Volunteer Day, and a leadership conference. "Middle School Survey Report: Impact on Gifted Students--Executive Summary" (Mary Ruth Coleman and James J. Gallegher) presents results of a survey of the attitudes of educators from the middle schools movement and gifted education. Other articles include: "World Class Standards for Middle School Students Who Are Gifted" (Julia Roberts); "Differentiating the Curriculum at Twin Peaks Middle School" (Lynn Astengo); "Middle School Demonstration Sites" (Ron Fontaine and Bill Jones); and "Curriculum Integration at The Mirman School" (Richard Boolootian). (Most papers contain references.) (JDD)