Key Takeaways
1. Gifted education must evolve to meet diverse student needs
As a nation, we represent more racially and culturally diverse citizens than any other country, worldwide.
Changing demographics demand a shift in gifted education. Today's classrooms serve students from various cultural backgrounds, nontraditional families, and diverse socioeconomic statuses. Over half of public school students now come from low-income families. This diversity requires educators to adapt identification methods and programming to ensure equitable access for all high-ability learners.
Inclusive practices are essential. Gifted education must move beyond traditional measures of giftedness to recognize and nurture talent in students from all backgrounds. This includes:
- Culturally responsive identification processes
- Multicultural curriculum and materials
- Diverse role models and mentors
- Outreach to underrepresented communities
- Support for English language learners
2. Cultural competence is crucial for effective gifted education
Creating a classroom that fosters goal setting, praise of work, scaffolding, and positive and constructive feedback, students learn to value their success, as in the end, it is their work.
Cultural awareness enables educators to better understand and support diverse gifted learners. Teachers must examine their own biases and develop cultural competence to effectively nurture talent across all student groups.
Key aspects of cultural competence in gifted education include:
- Recognizing cultural influences on learning styles and expressions of giftedness
- Using culturally responsive teaching strategies
- Building relationships with students and families from diverse backgrounds
- Incorporating multicultural content and perspectives in curriculum
- Addressing issues of equity, access, and social justice
3. Twice-exceptional students require specialized support
Johan displays many characteristics traditionally related to giftedness such as being highly inquisitive, having a fluent vocabulary, and possessing the ability to catch on to new topics very quickly.
Dual exceptionality presents unique challenges. Twice-exceptional (2e) students are gifted but also have learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, or other exceptionalities. These students require tailored interventions that address both their gifts and their challenges.
Effective strategies for 2e learners include:
- Comprehensive assessment to identify strengths and needs
- Individualized education plans that nurture gifts while supporting areas of difficulty
- Assistive technology and accommodations
- Strength-based approaches that emphasize talents
- Social-emotional support to build self-esteem and self-advocacy skills
- Collaboration between gifted, special education, and general education teachers
4. Social-emotional needs are as important as academic needs for gifted learners
Gifted students can present a wide array of gifts, talents, and challenges.
Holistic development is crucial. Gifted students often face unique social-emotional challenges, including perfectionism, intensity, asynchronous development, and difficulty relating to peers. Addressing these needs is essential for overall well-being and academic success.
Key areas of social-emotional support include:
- Teaching stress management and coping skills
- Fostering healthy peer relationships and social skills
- Addressing issues of perfectionism and fear of failure
- Developing emotional intelligence and self-awareness
- Providing counseling and mentoring
- Creating safe spaces for gifted students to connect with like-minded peers
5. Collaboration between educators, counselors and families is key
Together, gifted educators and school counselors can provide the necessary supports and structures needed for the whole gifted child to learn and thrive in the classroom.
Teamwork enhances outcomes. A collaborative approach involving teachers, counselors, administrators, and families creates a strong support system for gifted learners. Each stakeholder brings unique insights and resources to nurture student potential.
Effective collaboration strategies include:
- Regular communication between school and home
- Interdisciplinary teams to plan and implement gifted services
- Partnerships with community organizations and experts
- Professional development for all staff on gifted education
- Family education and support programs
- Student involvement in educational planning and goal-setting
6. Curriculum differentiation and enrichment are essential for gifted students
Differentiation for mathematically gifted learners should consist of purposeful, deliberate, planned experiences that extend the core curriculum.
Tailored instruction maximizes potential. Gifted students require curriculum and instruction that matches their advanced abilities and provides appropriate challenge. This often involves acceleration, enrichment, and opportunities for in-depth study and creative problem-solving.
Key strategies for differentiation include:
- Curriculum compacting to eliminate repetition of mastered content
- Flexible grouping based on readiness, interest, and learning profiles
- Project-based and problem-based learning
- Independent study and research opportunities
- Advanced content and higher-order thinking skills
- Integration of technology and real-world applications
- Mentorships and internships
7. Advocacy and policy changes are needed to support gifted education
The gifted label was no longer appropriate for Rebecca.
Systemic support is crucial. Advocates must work to change policies and practices that limit access to gifted education or fail to provide adequate resources. This includes addressing issues of funding, teacher training, and equitable identification practices.
Key areas for advocacy and policy change:
- Mandated gifted education services in all states
- Increased funding for gifted programs and teacher training
- Expanded identification processes to include multiple criteria and universal screening
- Policies to support underrepresented populations in gifted programs
- Integration of gifted education strategies in general education classrooms
- Accountability measures for gifted student growth and achievement
8. Developing passion and motivation is critical for gifted student success
In contrast to the negative portrayal of school from the gifted students, many of the youth we interviewed in sports and the arts talked with excitement about their activity, how they wanted to do it all of the time, and how important it was to their identity.
Intrinsic motivation fuels achievement. Gifted students thrive when they are passionate about their learning and intrinsically motivated to pursue their interests. Educators play a crucial role in fostering this passion and helping students develop a growth mindset.
Strategies to cultivate passion and motivation:
- Providing choice and autonomy in learning
- Connecting curriculum to real-world applications and student interests
- Encouraging risk-taking and viewing mistakes as learning opportunities
- Celebrating effort and progress, not just achievement
- Exposing students to diverse fields and potential career paths
- Facilitating opportunities for deep exploration of topics
- Creating classroom environments that value curiosity and creativity
Last updated:
FAQ
What's Teaching Gifted Children: Success Strategies for Teaching High-Ability Learners about?
- Focus on Gifted Education: The book provides a comprehensive guide to teaching gifted and high-ability learners, emphasizing effective strategies and practices.
- Diverse Contributors: Edited by Jeff Danielian, C. Matthew Fugate, Ph.D., and Elizabeth Fogarty, Ph.D., it includes contributions from various experts in the field of gifted education.
- Holistic Approach: It covers classroom practices, curriculum content, and meeting the social-emotional needs of gifted students, making it a valuable resource for educators.
Why should I read Teaching Gifted Children?
- Enhance Teaching Skills: The book offers practical strategies that can help educators better meet the needs of gifted students, improving their teaching effectiveness.
- Research-Based Insights: It is grounded in current research and best practices in gifted education, providing evidence-based approaches to teaching.
- Support for Diverse Learners: The book addresses the unique challenges faced by gifted learners, including social-emotional development and curriculum differentiation.
What are the key takeaways of Teaching Gifted Children?
- Differentiation is Essential: Effective teaching for gifted students requires differentiation in content, process, and product to meet their advanced learning needs.
- Social-Emotional Support: Understanding the social-emotional challenges faced by gifted students is crucial for their overall development and success.
- Engagement through Creativity: Encouraging creativity and critical thinking in the classroom fosters a more engaging and productive learning environment for gifted learners.
What are the best quotes from Teaching Gifted Children and what do they mean?
- "Knowing is a process, not a product.": This emphasizes that education should focus on the journey of learning rather than just the end results or grades.
- "Curriculum compacting allows time for acceleration or enrichment.": This highlights the importance of modifying the curriculum to provide advanced learners with opportunities to explore topics in greater depth.
- "Gifted students need to be challenged and engaged.": This underscores the necessity of providing rigorous and stimulating learning experiences to keep gifted students motivated.
How does Teaching Gifted Children address the social and emotional needs of gifted students?
- Understanding Emotional Challenges: The book discusses the unique social-emotional issues that gifted students may face, such as perfectionism and isolation.
- Supportive Classroom Environment: It emphasizes creating a safe and supportive classroom atmosphere where gifted students can express themselves and take risks.
- Counseling Integration: The authors suggest that counseling should be an integral part of gifted education programs to help students navigate their emotional challenges.
What is curriculum compacting as mentioned in Teaching Gifted Children?
- Assessment of Prior Knowledge: Curriculum compacting involves assessing what gifted students already know to eliminate unnecessary repetition of material they have mastered.
- Focus on Advanced Content: By compacting the curriculum, teachers can provide more challenging and complex content that promotes deeper learning and engagement.
- Time for Exploration: This method allows gifted students to spend more time on advanced topics or independent projects, fostering their interests and creativity.
How can teachers differentiate instruction for gifted learners according to Teaching Gifted Children?
- Flexible Grouping: The book recommends using flexible grouping strategies to tailor instruction to students' varying abilities and interests.
- Choice in Learning: Allowing students to choose their projects or topics can increase motivation and engagement in the learning process.
- Varied Assessment Methods: Implementing diverse assessment strategies, such as portfolios or presentations, can provide a more comprehensive view of students' understanding and skills.
What strategies are recommended for teaching gifted students in Teaching Gifted Children?
- Curriculum Compacting: This strategy involves assessing students' prior knowledge to eliminate unnecessary repetition and allow for more advanced learning opportunities.
- Socratic Circles: Implementing Socratic discussions encourages critical thinking and allows students to explore complex ideas collaboratively.
- Creative Problem Solving: Engaging students in real-world problem-solving tasks fosters creativity and helps them apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.
How does Teaching Gifted Children suggest supporting parents of gifted students?
- Communication Strategies: The book advises teachers to maintain open lines of communication with parents to discuss their child's progress and needs.
- Resources for Parents: It provides suggestions for resources and strategies that parents can use to support their gifted child's learning at home.
- Encouraging Advocacy: The authors encourage parents to advocate for their child's educational needs and seek appropriate resources and programs.
What role does inquiry-based learning play in teaching gifted students according to Teaching Gifted Children?
- Encouraging Curiosity: Inquiry-based learning fosters curiosity and allows gifted students to explore topics in depth, promoting engagement and critical thinking.
- Real-World Applications: This approach often involves real-world problems, making learning relevant and meaningful for students.
- Student-Centered Learning: Inquiry-based learning shifts the focus from teacher-led instruction to student-driven exploration, empowering gifted learners to take ownership of their education.
What are some challenges faced by twice-exceptional students mentioned in Teaching Gifted Children?
- Underidentification Issues: The book discusses how twice-exceptional students are often underidentified due to their ability to compensate for their learning disabilities.
- Social Isolation: It highlights the social isolation that many twice-exceptional students experience, as they may struggle to connect with peers who do not share their abilities or challenges.
- Need for Tailored Support: The text stresses the importance of providing tailored support that addresses both the giftedness and the learning disabilities of these students.
How can educators effectively collaborate with school counselors according to Teaching Gifted Children?
- Shared Goals: The book emphasizes the need for educators and counselors to establish shared goals for supporting gifted students, ensuring a unified approach.
- Regular Communication: It advocates for regular communication between teachers and counselors to discuss student progress and address any emerging concerns.
- Resource Sharing: The authors suggest that educators and counselors should share resources and strategies to enhance the support provided to gifted learners.
Review Summary
The book Teaching Gifted Children receives mixed reviews, with an overall rating of 3.33 out of 5. One reviewer finds the material presented superficially, noting that while there are some good ideas, the book is more suited for college courses than real classrooms. They particularly criticize the coverage of social studies as weak. Another reviewer suggests that most teachers would benefit from reading it, despite its tendency to jump around. Both reviewers acknowledge some positive aspects but indicate room for improvement.
Download PDF
Download EPUB
.epub digital book format is ideal for reading ebooks on phones, tablets, and e-readers.
