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Better understand giftedness with this article by the NAGC (National Association for Gifted Children).

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Where do I start????? There is so much information.

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Where do I start????? There is so much information.

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These 9 tips for regular classroom teachers will give you tips on where to begin in your journey to understand giftedness.

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Tips for Teachers: Successful strategies for teaching gifted learners - Davidson Institute

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This article by the Davidson Institute offers a list of tips for teachers. It focuses on suggestions any teacher can use in the classroom to aid their

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I don't understand all of these gifted terms!!

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I don't understand all of these gifted terms!!

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Check out these commonly used terms within gifted programs produced by the NAGC (National Association for Gifted Children).

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Acceleration

A strategy of progressing through education at rates faster or ages younger than the norm. This can occur through grade skipping or subject acceleration (e.g., a fifth-grade student taking sixth-grade math). View the report A Nation Deceived from the Institute for Research and Policy on Acceleration. Discover guidelines for building an acceleration policy.

An inclination to excel in the performance of a certain skill.

Authentic Assessment

Evaluating student learning through the use of student portfolios, performance, or observations in place of or in conjunction with more traditional measures of performance such as tests and written assignments. The process allows students to be evaluated using assessments that more closely resemble real-world tasks. Read NAGC position statement on assessment. Visit these links for more information on authentic and performance-based assessments.

Brainstorming

Brainstorming is an activity used to generate many creative ideas that have no right or wrong answers and are accepted without criticism. Effective brainstorming is characterized by fluency and flexibility of thought.

Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

A set of academic standards in mathematics and English language arts/literacy (ELA) proposed in 2013 that outline what a student should know and be able to do at the end of each grade. The standards place emphasis on helping students obtain skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in college and careers. View the NAGC position statement on the CCSS. View a list of FAQs about the Common Core State Standards and gifted education.

Creativity

The process of developing new, uncommon, or unique ideas. The federal definition of giftedness identifies creativity as a specific component of giftedness.

Homogeneous Grouping

Grouping students by need, ability, or interest. Although variations between students exist in a homogeneous classroom, the intent of this grouping pattern is to restrict the range of student readiness or needs that a teacher must address.

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

A set of academic standards in science proposed in 2013 that outlines what a student should know and be able to do at the end of each grade. The standards place emphasis on helping students obtain skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in college and careers. Click here for an NAGC position statement on the NGSS. View a list of FAQs about standards and gifted education.

Talent Development

Programs, curricula, and services for gifted and talented students that can best meet their needs, promote their achievements in life, and contribute to the enhancement of our society when schools identify students' specific talent strengths and focus educational services on these talents. Learn more about talent development from Paul Olszewski-Kubilius, Director, Center for Talent Development, Northwestern University.

Talent Search

A special program that uses out-of-level testing (commonly the SAT or ACT) to identify high-potential students and allow them to participate in a variety of out-of-school activities. These may occur in the form of Saturday or summer courses or distance learning programs. There are four major talent searches in the U.S.: Duke University's Talent Identification Program (TIP), Northwestern University's Center for Talent Development (CTD), Johns Hopkins University's Center for Talented Youth (CTY), and the Center for Bright Kids (formerly Rocky Mountain Talent Search) in Denver, CO.

Underachieving/
Underachievement

A term used to describe the discrepancy between a student's performance and his or her potential or ability to perform at a much higher level.

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Ability Grouping When students of a similar ability or achievement level are placed in a class or group based on observed behavior or performance. Ability grouping is not the same as tracking. Read the NAGC position on ability grouping. Acceleration A strategy of progressing through education at rates faster or ages younger than the norm.

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I have heard a lot of things about gifted students. Are they all true?

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I have heard a lot of things about gifted students. Are they all true?

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There are several myths about gifted students that have been passed around and accepted as fact. Take a look at these 11 myths about gifted students so that you can create an equitable classroom environment.

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"Gifted students will do fine on their own." "Gifted programs are elitist."
These and other myths prevent our country from appropriately educating millions of advanced students.

NAGC compiled a list of the most prevalent myths in gifted education with evidence rebutting each of them. This list was developed from a longer list of myths explored in a special of Gifted Child Quarterly (GCQ) in the Fall of 2009. NAGC Members can read the full issue of GCQ via the SAGE website

How many of these myths have hindered you, your child, and/or your school in the pursuit of a challenging education for advanced students?

Truth:

Although teachers try to challenge all students they are frequently unfamiliar with the needs of gifted children and do not know how to best serve them in the classroom. A national study conducted by the Fordham Institute found that 58% of teachers have received no professional development focused on teaching academically advanced students in the past few years and 73% of teachers agreed that "Too often, the brightest students are bored and under-challenged in school - we're not giving them a sufficient chance to thrive. This report confirms what many families have known: not all teachers are able to recognize and support gifted learners. ¹

Truth:

Average or below-average students do not look to the gifted students in the class as role models. Watching or relying on someone who is expected to succeed does little to increase a struggling student's sense of self-confidence. ² Similarly, gifted students benefit from classroom interactions with peers at similar performance levels and become bored, frustrated, and unmotivated when placed in classrooms with low or average-ability students.

Truth:

Academically gifted students often feel bored or out of place with their age peers and naturally gravitate towards older students who are more similar as "intellectual peers." Studies have shown that many students are happier with older students who share their interest than they are with children the same age. ³ Therefore, acceleration placement options such as early entrance to Kindergarten, grade skipping, or early exit should be considered for these students.

Truth:

Some gifted students also have learning or other disabilities. These "twice-exceptional" students often go undetected in regular classrooms because their disability and gifts mask each other, making them appear "average." Other twice-exceptional students are identified as having a learning disability and as a result, are not considered for gifted services. In both cases, it is important to focus on the students' abilities and allow them to have challenging curricula in addition to receiving help for their learning disability. ⁴

Truth:

While AP classes offer rigorous, advanced coursework, they are not a gifted education program. The AP program is designed as college-level classes taught by high school teachers for students willing to work hard. The program is limited in its service to gifted and talented students in two major areas: First AP is limited by the subjects offered, which in most districts is only a small handful. Second it is limited in that, typically, it is offered only in high school and is generally available only for 11th and 12th grade students. The College Board acknowledges that AP courses are for any student who is academically prepared and motivated to take a college-level course.

View this video on Myths in Gifted Education produced by teens in the Baltimore County (MD) Public Schools for the Maryland State Department of Education
Read an overview of the Myths by Don Treffinger that appeared in the fall issue of Teaching for High Potential.
Read about Jacob K. Javits Grant to Purdue University to extend research showing when gifted students are clustered together, all children perform better.

¹ Farkas, S. & Duffet, A. (2008). Results from a national teacher survey. In Thomas B. Fordham Institute, Highachievement students in the era of NCLB (p. 78). Washington, DC: Author. http://www.edexcellence.net/publications/high-achieving-students-in.html

² Fiedler, E.D., Lange, R. E., Winebrenner, S. (1993). In search of reality: Unraveling the myths about tracking, ability grouping, and the gifted. Roper Review, (16), 4-7.

³ Colangelo, N., Assouline, S. G., & Gross, M.U.M. (2004). A nation deceived: How schools hold back America's brightest students. Iowa City: University of Iowa.

⁴ Olenchak. F. R., & Reis, S. M. (2002) Gifted students with learning disabilities. In M. Neihart, S. M. Reis, N. Robinson, and S. Moon (Eds.), The Social and Emotional Development of Gifted Children (pp. 177-192). Waco TX: Prufrock Press.

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Myths about Gifted Students | National Association for Gifted Children

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“Gifted students will do fine on their own.” “Gifted programs are elitist.” These and other myths prevent our country from appropriately educating millions of advanced students. NAGC compiled a list of the most prevalent myths in gifted education with evidence rebutting each of them. This list was d…

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So, how do I teach gifted students in my classroom?

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So, how do I teach gifted students in my classroom?

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Here are some quick dos and don'ts for teaching gifted students. Make sure that you are working closely with a gifted teacher to meet your gifted students' needs.

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Dos and Don’ts of Teaching Gifted Students

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This month’s Education Update feature, “Six Strategies for Challenging Gifted Learners,” reminds us that high-ability students have unique needs, too.

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I'm not a gifted teacher. How can I tell if my students are gifted?

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I'm not a gifted teacher. How can I tell if my students are gifted?

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This article (and many more) provide basic characteristics and behaviors to look for in your classroom.

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How can I improve my practice to support all of my students (including the gifted ones)?

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How can I improve my practice to support all of my students (including the gifted ones)?

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The CEC (Council for Exceptional Children) has designed a webpage with links and resources to aid you in improving your practice. Take a look at some of their resources.

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The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is here to support you, so you can support your students.

The field of special and gifted education is always evolving. As your professional association, we want to make sure you have access to the tools, research, and learning you need to make your students successful. Learn more about learning more-however you prefer-below.

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The field of special and gifted education is always evolving. As your professional association, we at the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) want to make sure you have access to the tools, research, and learning you need to make your students successful. Learn more about learning more, however you prefer, below.

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Are there other people like me looking to understand giftedness and advocate for gifted students?

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Are there other people like me looking to understand giftedness and advocate for gifted students?

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Definitely! The CEC (Council for Exceptional Children) is a community of diverse people looking to support gifted students. Check them out!

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The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is a community before it is anything else-special educators, administrators, researchers, professors, paraprofessionals, and service providers drawn together by their passion for teaching children and youth with exceptionalities. The CECommunity All-Member Forum brings this community together to share real-world answers, resources, and support.

The CECommunity, CEC's online members-only forum, is where thousands of your special education colleagues are here for you 24/7. No question is too big or too small!

Login as a member to access this exclusive online space and start connecting with other special educators who understand what it means to support students with exceptionalities, sharing resources, and coming together to improve your practice.
Access the CECommunity

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CEC is a community before it is anything else-special educators, administrators, researchers, professors, paraprofessionals, and service providers drawn together by their passion for teaching children and youth with exceptionalities. The CECommunity All-Member Forum brings this community together to share real-world answers, resources, and support.

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Are there professional development opportunities to better understand giftedness?

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Are there professional development opportunities to better understand giftedness?

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Absolutely! Take a look at the NAGC (National Association for Gifted Children) website for upcoming training opportunities.

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Education & Training comes in many shapes and sizes:

Summer Virtual Professional Learning Workshop. Two sessions each 90 minutes sessions exploring important issues in gifted and talented education. Each 2-session workshop is $49 for members/$79 for non-members
Using the NAGC Pre-K-Grade 12 Gifted Programming Standards to Improve Gifted Programs, Services, and Classroom Practice

Part 1 is June 22 at 2:00pm-3:30 pm ET, Part 2 is June 23 at 2:00pm-3:30pm ET
Over the years, the NAGC Pre-K-Grade 12 Gifted Programming Standards have been enthusiastically welcomed and used by those in the field as they provide a structure for defining benchmarks and establishing best practices. The 2019 revision of the standards includes the latest research and practices in the field of gifted education and reflects how conceptions of giftedness have continued to evolve.

Gifted Coordinator FlipPD -- Supporting Gifted Coordinators: Opportunities for Collaboration and Reflection -- a 3 sessions workshop for both novice and experienced coordinators. Gifted coordinators' roles and experiences vary widely, as do their expectations, direction and administrative support. Regardless of the coordinator's roles and location, several prevailing priorities exist: identifying students with high potential; increasing diversity; developing appropriate services, curriculum, and teacher support; and structuring sustainable gifted services. Each of the three webinars in this "Flipped" series will be led by experienced coordinators who have successfully maneuvered through these responsibilities. Attendees will have several presentations from the NAGC 67th Annual Convention Reimagined! to watch prior to each session.

Gifted Identification Prodedures, June 8, 2021 5:00pm-6:30pm ET

Developing Gifted Programs, June 29, 5:00pm-6:30pm ET

Professional Learning to Support Teachers of the Gifted, July 13 5:00pm-6:30pm ET

Annual Convention: Attend the largest gathering devoted to gifted education and gain valuable information and inspiration through 230+ content rich sessions, networking, and keynote speakers.

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Education & Training comes in many shapes and sizes: Summer Virtual Professional Learning Workshop. Two sessions each 90 minutes sessions exploring important issues in gifted and talented education.

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Where can I find resources for my gifted students?

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Where can I find resources for my gifted students?

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Mensa is a great site where you can find educational games and activities for your gifted students!

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No matter how deep the wrinkles in your cortex - or maybe moreso the deeper they are - sometimes you just need to relax a bit and have a good time.

American Mensa is proud of the opportunities it provides folks to do just that. There's something here for everyone; play early and often, and we welcome you to stay as long as you'd like.

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No matter how deep the wrinkles in your cortex - or maybe moreso the deeper they are - sometimes you just need to relax a bit and have a good time. American Mensa is proud of the opportunities it provides folks to do just that.

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Where can I find resources for my gifted students?

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Where can I find resources for my gifted students?

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Mindware is a great site to locate educational toys for your gifted students!

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MindWare.com: Educational Toys & Learning Toys for Kids & Toddlers

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is proud to be the best resource for educational toys, toys for education and learning toys for kids and children that engage and entertain. Your children will learn while they play!

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Can I join a club or association to expand my knowledge of giftedness and to become an advocate?

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Can I join a club or association to expand my knowledge of giftedness and to become an advocate?

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There are many programs, associations, and local groups that you can join to become an even greater advocate for gifted students. The GAGC (Georgia Association for Gifted Children) is a great association to be a part of. Check out the benefits of membership and online application!

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Benefits of Membership

Discounted registration fee to attend events hosted by GAGC - Annual Convention with nationally recognized speakers, Regional Workshops for teachers, etc

Free access to WOW webinars produced by the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)

Eligibility to receive Annual Distinguished Service Awards

Legislative Initiatives/Advocacy

Local Chapter Services

Networking Opportunities

Voting Privileges

Right to Hold Office (GAGC Executive Board)

Eligibility for Margaret Bynum Scholarship Funds (teachers only)

Eligibility to apply for GAGC Mini Grants (teachers only)

Ways to Join:

Download membership application form, mail to GAGC as indicated and enclose a check or Purchase Order -

Join online via credit card (Click Here) Note: Payment is expected at the time an online application for membership is entered. Memberships will not become "active" until payment has been successfully processed.

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Georgia Association for Gifted Children - Join Us

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Benefits of Membership Discounted registration fee to attend events hosted by GAGC - Annual Convention with nationally recognized speakers, Regional Workshops for teachers, etc Free access to WOW webinars produced by the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Eligibility to receive Annual Distinguished Service Awards Legislative Initiatives/Advocacy Local Chapter Services

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How can I show parents, colleagues, and students  that I want to support our gifted program?

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How can I show parents, colleagues, and students  that I want to support our gifted program?

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Here are some products that scream "I support giftedness." You can purchase clothing, cups,  bags, etc. that show your commitment and passion for gifted students.

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Are there any conventions where I can learn about gifted programs?

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Are there any conventions where I can learn about gifted programs?

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Yes! The GAGC (Georgia Association for Gifted Children) holds a convention every year. You can check this page for next year's dates and register for this amazing online convention.

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Join us March 1-2, 2021 for our 2021 GAGC "Virtual" Convention. Just think: This year you will be able to attend our sessions with keynote speakers, concurrent sessions, vendors, and much more from the comfort of your classroom, office, or your sofa at home. Most of our sessions will be "on-demand" so you can even choose your time! We are even having a pre-convention session on February 28th. You will not want to miss it!

Pre-Conference February 28, 2021
March 1 - 2, 2021

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Join us March 1-2, 2021 for our 2021 GAGC "Virtual" Convention. Just think: This year you will be able to attend our sessions with keynote speakers, concurrent sessions, vendors, and much more from the comfort of your classroom, office, or your sofa at home.

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Do gifted programs use different standards?

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Do gifted programs use different standards?

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Yes and no. While also following the grade-level standards used by your school, gifted programs focus on six programming standards. Check them out!

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Pre-K to Grade 12 Gifted Programming Standards

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Why does gifted education need standards? Standards provide a basis for policies, rules, and procedures that are essential for providing systematic programs and services to any special population of students.