Preface

Individuals who are highly intellectual have been present in society for thousands of years. Throughout history, individuals have been identified that have been different than the norm with high intellectual ability. These individuals were often left to fend for themselves to learn and mature. The term “gifted” has only been around for the last 100 years or so. Although identified under the Individuals with Disability Education Act, students who are identified as gifted receive services that are either nonexistent to full services and everything in between depending on the US state that one resides. Trying to get services for students who are gifted can be difficult. Given they are at the high end of the intellectual spectrum, many believe that services should be provided to those with deficits. This journey has not been easy for individuals who are gifted, their families, or those who have educated them; however, it has been colourful, innovative, and intriguing.

This volume in Advances in Special Education focuses on Gifted Education: Current Perspectives and Issues. The volume is a comprehensive examination into the field of gifted education. The volume begins with some foundational chapters that address Legal Issues, Identification and Assessment, and Placement of Students who are Gifted. Next, the volume addresses some of the current issues in the field with chapters on Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students and Disproportionality of Gifted Students.

The volume also includes chapters on the changing philosophy related to educating students who are gifted. These chapters address Inclusion, Differentiated Instruction, Effective Practices and Technology. The book concludes with chapters addressing Postsecondary Education and Families.

The volume is composed of 11 chapters written by university professors who are actively involved in teaching special education courses and engaged in research in gifted education. It should be used as a supplementary text for advanced undergraduate special education majors and graduate students who are looking for detailed and comprehensive information for their research papers or theses.

Jeffrey P. Bakken

Festus E. Obiakor

Anthony F. Rotatori

Editors