As a gifted student who grew up in a rural area, I was interested to read this book. Personally, I don't think there would be much difference. (more to come)

Serving Gifted Students in Rural Settings, A Framework for Bridging Gifted Education and Rural Classrooms is a compilation of research-based sections by various authors in the education field. The book is split into three sections, each with a specific focus. While section one regards gifted children in rural settings, it focuses heavily on the challenges of a rural culture and the need of educated teachers in these areas. The second section of book provides the framework for identifying and instructing gifted students with general models of instruction for in and out of school enrichment. As a whole, the book thoroughly discusses differing multicultural needs and enrichment areas of rural students, making the information accessible. It would be a good book for a cohort or group of teachers to read and discuss together because there is a lot of information to process and sift through. I appreciated this scholarly text and feel that it would be easy to implement some of the strategies and models recommended. ( )

SUMMARY: This book offers a review of the difficulties of identifying and educating gifted students in a rural setting due to a unique community profile. Those in rural settings do not always have access to the same kinds of resources of those in cities. The authors offer many insights as well as a comprehensive list of program choices that may be implemented to meet the needs of these students.

REVIEW: This book is very comprehensive. It covers many aspects of the difficulties in educating these students. I like the fact that it looked at everything from both sides--pros and cons--of certain ways of helping these students. Particular attention was paid to minorities. I very much liked the page after page of program choices and the pros and cons of each. Administrators will find this very helpful.

This book was not written for parents or laymen in mind. It reads very much like a thesis paper. But if you are willing to slog through the many references, it is a gold mine of information.

NOTE: I Received a free advanced copy of this book from LibraryThing and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My reviews are always 100% honest based on preset criteria. ( )

This text is an intelligently written compilation of theory and pedagogy related to serving the educational needs of the gifted and talented rural student. While families may glean insight from this book, its target audience is professional educators and it reflects high-end scholarship presented in the unique vernacular of education.

The text revolves around the essential understanding that the "rural-ness" of gifted and talented rural students must NOT be compromised in the process of providing these students with appropriate learning opportunities. The values, beliefs, and experiences that are attributable to "rural-ness" represent elements of culture from which these students draw meaning and identity. This rich fund of knowledge is to be appreciated, embraced, and incorporated in to the education of gifted and talented rural students as the valuable learning resource it is.

I highly recommend this book for all educators, especially those serving rural communities. ( )

Some of the information was redundant, but I like the overall topic. Many of our rural schools might not have the programs and materials to run larger scale curriculum for high-ability learners, but it gives great ideas to still make sure all students, like high-ability students, to continue to challenge themselves and grow even if they're not in a modern facility or have access to an abundant of technology. There are so many unique opportunities specific to the rural setting that are actually advantageous. ( )