There are differnt types of programs that gifted students could part-take in. Some of those are pull-out programs, interest based programs, subject based classes, and schools for the gifted. Each of these programs have a specific purpose in mind, and each are in place for a specific reason.
Sometimes gifted programs are in place because of the setting. Some programs work better for urban students, rural students, or suburban students. Sometimes differnt parts of the county have a liking to a certain researcher, or program.
What kinds of programs does your school or district have in place? Is there a program that you wish your school or district would put into place?
Here are some resources:
https://sites.google.com/site/modelsforthegifted/change-the-banner
http://cybraryman.com/~jerry01/designthinking.html
http://www.cybraryman.com/authenticlearning.html
http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2010/12/preparing-students-for-success-by.html
http://www.amazon.com/Systems-Models-Developing-Programs-Talented/dp/0936386444
http://www.gifted.uconn.edu/sem/semart.html
http://tip.duke.edu/node/725