IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA are laws that benefit students with disabilities; however, there is no federal legislation that supports students classified as gifted or talented. Other disabilities as opposed to gifted and talented are easily defined. Most states adopt (with modifications) the federal definition. The most commonly used or modified definition is: The term “gifted and talented children” refers to children, and where applicable, youth, who are identified at the preschool, elementary, or secondary levels as having demonstrated or potential abilities that demonstrate high performance. skills in areas such as intellectual, creative, specific academic or leadership ability, or in the performing and visual arts, and which for this reason require services or activities not normally provided by the school. (Gifted and Talented Children's Education Act, 1978) Few areas in the education of children with exceptionalities are as controversial and critical as the appropriate identification of gifted children. Disputes involve all the pros and cons...