The article reviews the literature on two questions: what is the normal course of creative development, and do peak periods exist during which people are most open to efforts to foster creative abilities. Six specific periods are identified as peak periods of creative growth. (DB)

This article explores the inner and outer forces that energized the lives of Charlotte Bronte and Virginia Woolf and influenced their talent development. Similarities in their lives, including adversity, autodidactism, practice of the writing craft, search for a mother figure, influence of place, loneliness, emotional support, and a philosophy of…

This paper combines Gardner's multiple intelligences theory with Bloom's conception of talent to provide a foundation for the practice of fostering students' specific talents as a primary goal of gifted education. Individualized personal and skills-based growth plans are seen as a medium for career-oriented education based on students' identified…

Students (n=161) who attended high school summer science residencies at colleges were surveyed. Quotes from respondents are provided to illustrate the impact of the residency experience on their attitudes toward scientific work. Most participants reported at follow-up that they were studying or working in scientific fields, with no significant…

This article provides examples of ways to implement an arts program consistent with a model of talent development for diverse groups of students. The process-oriented approach emphasizes role modeling and the necessity for teachers who can function as artists themselves. Tips for class structure, curriculum, and scheduling are also provided. (PB)

Discusses the importance of mentoring programs for children, particularly for especially creative gifted children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. It describes characteristics for a successful mentor relationship and ways mentors can help in the expression and development of positive creativity in children. (CR)

Details two studies exploring how the middle school movement has affected gifted students. Notes the gap in attitudes between educators of gifted students and educators involved in the middle school-reform movement. Presents examples of fruitful collaboration that give promise for more effective future interaction. (SD)

Various perspectives on scientific giftedness are analyzed that lead to a framework for understanding it. It is suggested that authentic scientific creativity is a meshing of artistic and scientific abilities. Implications for gifted educators include the provision for artistic activities as a contributory factor in successful gifted science…

This article highlights the Talent Profile, a cumulative record that describes and visually synthesizes students' outstanding achievements from K-12 in any valued field of human activity in which children and adolescents are active. The profile highlights individual differences and offers a range of expectations/benchmarks for the high-end…

This article presents eight passages from Rousseau's "Social Contract," followed by comments clarifying the pivotal concepts in this important and influential work and sketching typical responses to Rousseau as they have occurred in classrooms for gifted students. Strategies for integrating Rousseau's philosophy into the curriculum are…

This article discusses problems in the training of gifted musical performers and evaluates the role of a musical maestro in talent development, argues that musicians may suffer from the expectations and traditions inherent in "conservatory culture" and suggests that maestros may at times be unsuitable teachers and mentors. (Contains extensive…

Explored the utility of an involvement and talent development framework in assessing the success of charter schools and their students. Focus group interviews with parents and teachers in four Ohio charter schools indicated that student, teacher, and parent involvement and growth of students' cognitive and affective talents were important…

Introduces a collection of articles that describe how Howard University's Center for Research on the Education of Students Placed At Risk (CRESPAR) is trying to faithfully represent the talent development philosophy and principles in its research and development activities (which holds that all children can meet high standards when there is a…

This article describes how an inner-city school used Renzulli's enrichment activities model to provide opportunities to above-average students who may not have been identified by traditional identification procedures. The program offered students opportunities to produce "real world" videos utilizing a production company who trained them in media…

An examination of major Indian gifted programs demonstrates that the programs, devoid of any serious psychological theory or conceptualization and unaware of the unparalleled features of the Indian sociocultural context, are carried out in a mechanical and oppressive fashion leading to the identification and sustenance of mediocrity. (Contains…