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Children with gifts and talents benefit from participation in programs grounded in research-based models. Implementation fidelity, however, is a potential moderator of intended benefits. The purpose of this study was to examine one teacher's fidelity of implementation for Type III Enrichment, an evidence-based gifted education practice and component of Renzulli's Enrichment Triad Model and Renzulli and Reis's Schoolwide Enrichment Model. Findings indicated the gifted education teacher implemented Type III Enrichment with fidelity; she adhered to recommended structures and processes, which she skillfully implemented, and student participants were responsive and engaged in the learning process. Audience impact was adversely affected by duration of the one-semester program. In addition, findings indicated the teacher supplemented recommended processes and these supplemental activities influenced student engagement in positive ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grounded in the Achievement Orientation Model, this qualitative case study examines participation in enrichment and environmental perceptions of gifted secondary school students. Participants included 10 gifted secondary school students, their parents, and their classroom teacher. Data included student, parent, and teacher responses in semistructured interviews, short answer surveys, and student work. Findings indicated a relationship between participation in enrichment and environmental perceptions. Student participants benefited from a teacher trained in gifted education who nurtured both affective and cognitive development, homogeneous grouping with like-minded peers, involved parents, and relationships with project mentors. These findings have implications for designing learning environments that effectively support the special needs of gifted secondary school learners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grounded in the Enrichment Triad and Achievement Orientation Models, this qualitative case study builds understanding of the relationship between participation in Type III Enrichment and the achievement orientation attitude of goal valuation in gifted secondary school students. Participants included 10 gifted secondary school students, their parents, and their classroom teacher. Data included student, parent, and teacher responses in semistructured interviews, short-answer surveys, and student work. Findings indicate a relationship between participation in enrichment and goal valuation. Students engaged in Type III Enrichment perceived their projects as interesting, beneficial, and/or as related to perceptions of identity. In addition, factors of goal valuation were related to students’ continued interest and perceptions of enjoyment after completion of the enrichment projects. These findings have implications for structuring gifted education programs that meet the special needs of gifted secondary school learners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]