Fundamentals of Gifted Education

Book excerpt: The field of gifted education is characterized by a perplexing array of perspectives concerning such fundamental issues as definition, identification, curriculum, social and emotional development, and underserved populations. Fundamentals of Gifted Education provides a coherent framework for planning effective programs, providing appropriate educational services, and evaluating programs for the gifted. Parts are organized around fundamental issues confronting the field and follow a common structure: an introductory chapter that provides an overview of the theme of that part as well as guiding points and questions for the reader followed by representative point-of-view chapters written by leading experts that provide varied perspectives on the topic at hand.