The Successful Blending of Gifted Education with Middle Schools and Cooperative Learning: Two Studies

The results of two studies—one focused on gifted students in middle school, and a second focused on gifted students in cooperative learning programs—are presented. In each study, five sites were identified that were successfully blending the school reform initiative (i.e., middle schools or cooperative learning) with gifted education. The studies showed that the needs of gifted students can be met within middle schools and within cooperative learning programs. In each case, however, specific attention to the needs of gifted students was incorporated in the planning and implementation of reform efforts. Ideas for addressing gifted students within the middle schools and within cooperative learning are given.