Journal for the Education of the Gifted
Summer 1999, Volume 22, Number 4

Implications of Postmodern Curriculum Theory for the Education of the Talented
Jane Piirto

Postmodern curriculum theory provides a framework for educators of the gifted and talented to critique the assumptions of the field from within the field. Five overarching themes derived from postmodern literature are discussed. These are presence, origin, unity, denial of transcendence, and constitutive otherness. Five issues are subsumed beneath the themes. These are issues of discourse, the body, the canon, gender, and power and class.

Gifted—Through Whose Cultural Lens? An Application of the Postpositivistic Mode of Inquiry
Jean Sunde Peterson

Using a postpositivistic method of inquiry, this study examined themes that emerged in the language of Latino, African American, Native American, immigrant Asian, and low-income Anglo individuals as they nominated individuals for a hypothetical gifted program. Reflected values differed from group to group and differed considerably from those reflected in classroom teachers’ language in an earlier study. The researcher theorized that value orientations of mainstream teachers, who make referrals for programs after initial screening procedures, preclude their valuing behaviors deemed valuable by nonmainstream individuals and also inhibit behaviors deemed gifted by teachers. Findings suggest that the mode of inquiry can be useful for those who seek new ways to conceptualize giftedness and who seek to explain phenomena, such as the underrepresentation of nonmainstream groups in gifted education.

 A Shift to Identity: A Journey to Integrity in Gifted Education
Celine Armenta

After exposing some opposing principles in the practice of gifted education, this article proposes approaching giftedness as an identity issue. This shift of focus could reconcile opposing approaches, build congruence and strength in our field, and better serve the gifted population. To illustrate the feasibility of this approach and its potential outcomes, the article draws examples from the field of lesbian and gay studies, which has a long tradition of dealing with identity issues. If the shift to an identity approach were made, we should admit the constructed nature of giftedness, emphasize responsibility, pay more attention to adolescents, and facilitate the presence of openly gifted adults as role models.

 Childhood Traits and Conditions of Eminent African American Women
Karen A. Freeman & Herbert J. Walberg

As part of a quarter-century investigation of eminent men and women, the childhood psychological traits and conditions of eminent African American women were contrasted with those of other eminent women in a variety of fields. African American women’s eminence appears fostered by psychological traits and conditions generally similar to those that benefit other eminent men and women. African American women, however, appeared significantly more often advantaged with respect to several psychological traits, including independence, perseverance, single-mindedness, and alertness to novelty. Given the discrimination and limited opportunities for African Americans and women during the first half of this century, eminence among the women in the sample probably required outstanding force of character.

Talent Developed: Conversations With Masters in the Arts and Sciences
Rena F. Subotnik

Jeff Bingaman: United States Senator

The Honorable Jeff Bingaman, Democrat and junior senator from New Mexico, serves on the Labor and Human Resources Committee of the United States Senate where education legislation is debated and authorized.  Senator Bingaman has been instrumental in providing incentives to increase the number of low-income students who can get waivers for Advanced Placement test fees, supporting innovative projects in educational technology, and instituting voluntary national tests. Most recently, he successfully promoted provisions in the Higher Education Act reauthorization to hold poorly performing education schools more accountable for their graduates’ content knowledge and skill.

Talent Developed: Conversations With Masters in the Arts and Sciences
Rena F. Subotnik

Jack Reed: United States Senator

The Honorable Jack Reed, Democrat and junior/senior senator from Rhode Island, is a member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee; the Special Committee on Aging; and Labor and Human Resources Committee, where education legislation is generated. He is completing his first term in the Congress.