A B ST RA CT 2s For mnany educators, the goal of programs for tile .g ifted is "the eduLcation of identified gifted students " This article argues that this goal makes gifted and talE ented (GT) programs vulnerable to discontinuation and relegates gifted children to inclusionary, regular classrooms where their needs are rarely nmet. To avoid Z X these possibilities, the goal of GT should be reformnu-1 lated to "the development of gifted young adults This goal has several advantages, including the possi -gX bihtv of a more enriched curriculum and a more diverse group of children with higher creative-productive potential. It also includes the overt recognidion. that these children require both differentiated instruction and specialized guidance to acquire a measure of expertise, establish a strong sense of self. and make personally satistying career choices. ThtGrowing Giftedness model presented would have GT students work more closely with adults and with on another than the inclusionary nmodel or part-time gifted programs can allow. In addition, this model adumnbrates the elements of a fill-time program.