The Education of Gifted Children in the United States: A Delphi Study

Abstract

This Delphi study investigated issues in the education of gifted children in the United States. A panel of 29 experts in the field of gifted education responded to the following questions: 1. Which key issues are perceived by the panel of experts as being the most important? 2. Which of the issues deserves top priority? 3. On issues deemed most important, what action should be taken at the federal, state, and local levels? 4 . What are the experts' definitions of the term "gifted"? Six issues were identified as being most critical; 53 actions were suggested for the federal, state, and local levels ; and a three-part definition of the term "gifted" was developed. Details of the study are shared, and an issue not designated by the panelists as a high priority issue is discussed.