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Federal and state response to the educational needs of gifted students has been intermittent and permissive. The lack of cohesive and comprehensive policies pertaining to identification and programming for these students has created a disparity in services within and across states. Broader education policies, such as those resulting from No Child Left Behind legislation have further directed attention away from the pursuit of cultivating exceptional talent and toward universal minimum proficiency. The purpose of this article is to (a) present the current status of gifted education policy at the federal and state levels, (b) consider the role recent reports might play in raising national awareness of the needs of gifted students, and (c) explore possible ideas for acquiring the support of policymakers in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deals with the Duke University Talent Identification Program's Leadership Institute, an intensive exploration of the integration of service learning into gifted leadership education. Benefits of service learning; Framework of leadership theory; Impact of the program on gifted students.

Focuses on the necessity of expanding links between communities and school programs for gifted children in the United States by promoting various products created by students. Exploration of areas of interaction; Discussion of how product developments initiated by students can further community links.

Studies federal and state legislation related to the education of gifted children in the United States. Provisions of the federal Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Act of 1988; Non-coverage of gifted children under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; State statutes on the identification and educational programming for gifted children; Legal cases concerning federal and state constitutional rights and statutes.

Discusses strategies for raising funds for gifted education. Raising of private funds annually by telephone or direct mail solicitation; Capital campaign as raising a specific amount of money within a limited time frame; Endowments as large sums of money given from private sources; Irrevocable and revocable charitable gifts; Establishment of offices for fund development.

Advises on using public relations in advocating for the education of gifted and talented youth. Definitions of advocacy and public relations; Importance of using the media for advocacy purposes; State level strategies; Audience targeting; Strategic planning issues; Identifying points of personal power.