This book and video are based on a symposium of leaders in the fields of gifted education and middle-level education, which was held to identify and explore areas of agreement in often contrasting philosophies. Emphasis is on identifying areas of agreement between the fields, areas of tension, and promising directions that could engage educators in mutual planning of appropriate services for all middle-school students. The book includes the following papers: (1) "The Middle School: Mimicking the Success Routes of the Information Age" (Thomas O. Erb) which reviews the historical issues surrounding gifted education and middle-level education; (2) "Middle Schools and Their Impact on Talent Development" (Mary Ruth Coleman and James J. Gallagher) which describes two studies, one which compared attitudes of middle school and gifted educators and the other which looked at current best practices; (3) "Gifted Learners and the Middle School: Problem or Promise?" (Carol Ann Tomlinson) which outlines areas of tension between the two fields and suggests areas where leaders might collaborate; (4) "Differentiating Instruction for Advanced Learners in the Mixed-Ability Middle School Classroom" (Carol Ann Tomlinson) which provides specific suggestions for differentiating curriculum; and (5) "Instructional and Management Strategies for Differentiated, Mixed-Ability Classrooms" (Carol Ann Tomlinson) which provides a matrix of instructional strategies. Appendices include a list of symposium participants and the video script. The video presents views of symposium participants and gifted students on these issues and demonstrates students' needs for both integrated and separate learning experiences. (Contains a bibliography of 18 items.) (CR)