The key issues in the identification of gifted and talented students will be examined with a focus on subjective and objective measures of identification, multiple criteria approaches and the domains of giftedness by which students can be identified and their abilities and achievements be accurately assessed. The strengths and weaknesses of subjective and objective measures will be discussed with a focus on: behaviours, which may indicate possible giftedness; developmental indicators such as early speech, mobility and reading; teacher, parent peer and self-nomination; standardised tests of aptitude and achievement and the differences between these. Attention will be given to the recognition of different levels of giftedness, and to the identification of high potential in minority and disadvantaged groups including students with physical disability, geographically isolated, Aboriginal children, and girls.