This top-selling comprehensive book, written by leaders in the field, presents a thorough review of the entire field of gifted education with best-practices. After a brief overview of current issues in the field, the book discusses crucial topics in the field, including the characteristics of gifted students, strategies for identification, considerations in planning sound gifted and talented programs, contemporary program models, varieties of acceleration, differentiated curriculum models, problems of underachievement of disadvantaged, twice-exceptional, and female gifted students, and the evaluation of gifted programs. The authors also address affective needs, leadership, and counseling. A chapter on parenting gifted children includes a section on advocating for gifted education and communication with schools. The sixth edition has been thoroughly revised, most notably with the latest research on acceleration, curriculum models, underachievement, culturally and economically disadvantaged students, gender issues, and dual exceptionalities. The content is further supported and enhanced by the inclusion of numerous practical strategies that can be implemented in the classroom, case studies that help teachers identify student needs, summaries of research on effective programs, emphasis on pedagogy and on social-emotional needs, heightened awareness of less visible sub-groups within gifted populations, and an amusing, witty writing style that adds to the appeal of this best-selling book.

Why are some gifted children willing to tackle new challenges whereas others seen insecure or uninterested? Why do some gifted students achieve while others become caught in a cycle of underachievement? Are there strategies teachers and parents can implement that promote an achievement-oriented attitude? "The Underachieving Gifted Child: Recognizing, Understanding, and Reversing Underachievement" answers these important questions. Although there are many factors that contribute to achievement, achievement-oriented students exhibit four key traits: (1) they believe that they have the skills to perform well, (2) they expect that they can succeed, (3) they believe what they are doing is meaningful, and (4) they set realistic expectations and implement strategies to successfully complete their goals. In this volume, parents and teachers will learn specific strategies to improve student achievement by improving students' attitudes in these four important areas.