Your Own Experiences with Gifted Ed by Michele Thelen

Shhhh...it's a secret

m_m_thelen1 — 2019-06-10 18:34:32 UTC

Self-contained gifted in middle school but nobody told me.

8th Grade Education

m_m_thelen1 — 2019-06-10 18:34:43 UTC

My grandfather lived in a time when education was not valued. He had to quit school to support his family. He was a genius in so many ways.

Two very different kids

m_m_thelen1 — 2019-06-10 18:34:54 UTC

My son is very much mathematically gifted but the epitome of any "underachiever"

"They will be just fine..."

m_m_thelen1 — 2019-06-10 18:35:04 UTC

I was that teacher in my early days that felt my GEM students would be "just fine" and focused much of my attention on my other students. You just don't know what you don't know...

Tested as Gifted

2019-06-10 20:47:17 UTC

In middle school, I was tested as gifted and was given the option to even skip a grade. I declined because I wanted to experience school with my friends.
-Sam Seery

New to Gifted at MUSD

2019-06-10 20:50:06 UTC

I just completed my first year teaching gifted students for the first time. I teach freshmen Pre-AP gifted students. I didn't know what gifted really meant or how I was supposed to teach to suit their needs. I learned that my students were still just that, students, and they benefited from activities that allowed them to move, discuss, and use their skills from other content areas in my class to give them new meaning.
-Sam Seery

6th Grade Teacher

k_l_mcnally — 2019-06-10 22:27:01 UTC

Absolutely not gifted, unless you count an amazing shopping ability... :)

My father

k_l_mcnally — 2019-06-10 22:30:03 UTC

Brilliant, both mathematically and spatially. Has a PHD and a wealth of global experience. Made the connection at an early age that exercise and hard work keep your brain "young." He is still going strong at 76.

The "easy" one and the "hard" one

k_l_mcnally — 2019-06-10 22:32:53 UTC

Both kids are gifted, one is twice exceptional as well as a gifted under achiever. He just told me the other day that the straight C's he has received the past semester at the Uof A are "fine" because it is passing and he will get a degree whether he has C's or A's....sigh
My daughter is the gifted high achiever and would die if she ever received a B. She places tremendous pressure on herself to be perfect.

3rd year gifted cluster

k_l_mcnally — 2019-06-10 22:38:36 UTC

Next year will be my 3rd year teaching the gifted cluster. It is rewarding and exhausting at the same time.

I have two sons that were tested into GEM in 4th grade. They are amazing and I am exceedingly proud of them. They will be seniors at Mountain View next year. Very exciting times ahead!

2019-06-10 23:06:57 UTC

I

2019-06-10 23:07:52 UTC

For the first four years of my teaching career I have taught many SPED students in my classroom. This last year I had a twice exceptional student in my class. I would like to learn more about the gifted and talented learner and how better to reach them!

2019-06-10 23:07:52 UTC

a_m_katz — 2019-06-11 14:29:46 UTC

I was never tested for gifted, I actually struggled with a learning disability in school.

a_m_katz — 2019-06-11 14:31:25 UTC

I have taught the gifted cluster before and honestly, while they are gifted I think all students should be given the opportunity for the outside of the box thinking. I used lots of Project Based Learning opportunities in my classroom.

My Children

s_a_bansback — 2019-06-11 14:52:19 UTC

I have 4 children that have gone through MUSD. Every one of them were recommended for testing into GEM. Only one met the mark, and started GEM in elementary. She is a very determined focused person.
-Stacy Bansback

Moving from SPED to Gen Ed/Gifted

s_a_bansback — 2019-06-11 15:00:20 UTC

I have been a SPED teacher for 15 years. This past year, I was working in a math intervention position, and teaching gen ed classes. This coming year, I will be teaching the high school level math classes at the middle school. I will be working with many of the GEM students on our campus. I look forward to learning more about strategies to be successful.
-Stacy Bansback

3rd Grade

2019-06-11 15:33:28 UTC

I floundered a lot in my educational experiences until college.

Yvonne Youngquist

My Mother

2019-06-11 15:39:21 UTC

She only finished 8th grade. She really wasn't involved with my education and did not care if I did well or failed.
Yvonne Youngquist

2019-06-11 15:46:17 UTC

Both of my boys are very smart and high achievers. My youngest is "gifted".

Yvonne Youngquist

2019-06-11 15:50:58 UTC

I've worked a lot with the GEM cluster and have also worked with the Sped cluster. I really enjoy working with the GEM students. (I find that I really enjoy working with students who are a little "quirky".)

Kathleen Neighbors

k_t_schellneighbors — 2019-06-11 21:31:21 UTC

All three of my children are gifted - my oldest son is now a Lawyer, the middle son in Math (Vice-President of an Insurance company) and my daughter Director of Production and Sales for a Modular Design Company. My Granddaughter (Middle Son's) is gifted in Math (taking Geometry/Trigonometry as an 8th grader).

Kathleen Neighbors

k_t_schellneighbors — 2019-06-11 21:38:53 UTC

Kathleen Neighbors

k_t_schellneighbors — 2019-06-11 21:41:14 UTC

I have worked with Gifted Students in my Enriched ELA class for the past four years and have had the entire spectrum of behaviors: serious, anxious perfectionist, class clown, questioner (why do we have to do this?), constant absentee, non-conformist! I also enjoy working with these "quirky" kids! They are thought-provoking, funny, sophisticated and creative!

Christina Baker

2019-06-12 02:43:11 UTC

I have been a reading specialist for 10+ years. I have worked with my share of gifted students either as enrichment or remediation. This next school year I will be teaching 5^th grade gifted/sped cluster. I am excited for this new journey and I can’t wait to learn as much as I can about gifted education.

Alissa

2019-06-13 19:07:13 UTC

I was in gifted education from elementary to high school. However accelerated math became more difficult for me as I grew older.

Alissa

2019-06-13 19:08:39 UTC

As far as I know I was the only one who was identified as gifted. I have a few high achieving family members but the rest really struggled with school.

Alissa

2019-06-13 19:09:30 UTC

No kids yet!

Alissa

2019-06-13 19:09:45 UTC

I have the gifted cluster 1st graders at my site and I sometimes note skepticism about enrichment activities and wasting time exploring the varying intelligences outside of logical mathematical and linguistic. However, I have an awesome gifted coordinator on site and that helps me get ideas and advocate for my kids.

1st Grade

r_a_bush — 2019-06-14 14:40:38 UTC

In 1st grade I was tested into gifted education in Marana. However, I was in a multi aged class at the time (combo 1-3) and my teacher and mother felt that my regular ed class was going to provide me everything I needed so I was never enrolled in any GEM classes.

Very little...

r_a_bush — 2019-06-14 14:44:48 UTC

I am going into my second year of teaching and only worked with GEM kids in my student teaching. Because of the self contained block I get very few opportunities to interact with gifted education.

Abbie

2019-06-17 18:46:34 UTC

Abbie

2019-06-17 22:51:36 UTC

I was never gifted, but both of my brothers were. I worked really hard to get great grades and they didn't have to. in the end, it all was great!

Abbie

2019-06-17 22:52:12 UTC

I am pretty sure my dad was gifted, but never identified. He is very talented and went very far in school. He remembers everything! As I said earlier, my brothers were as well.

Abbie

2019-06-17 22:53:38 UTC

My two older boys are gifted and i am pretty sure my younger one is as well. My older two were easy for me to figure out, but once i knew, i didn't understand that they had different needs as learners. My older one has always received amazing grades and continued that in middle school. He is a hard worker and learning comes easy to him...so far. My middle son is more social and happy to get by with the grade or just what is enough. He is more emotional as well and that was a learning curve for me.

Abbie

2019-06-17 22:55:46 UTC

I have really enjoyed have the bright start class this year. They have kept me on my toes! I also enjoyed having gifted kids in my class in the past. They totally learn differently than other students and shouldn't just have "more" work. They need work with meaning where they can use their giftedness to learn and move forward.

Two kids

t_d_pattengale — 2019-06-18 04:19:51 UTC

My son participated in the gifted education program during his time in MUSD. He struggled getting work turned in. His standard comment was, 'why do I have to do or turn in the work? The teacher knows I know it.' This attitude helped him fail junior English second semester. My daughter is high achieving, but was never selected for testing. She has great study skills, is diligent in her work, always turns work in on time, and has common sense. It was difficult helping her come to terms that there are different kinds of smart.

Brother

t_d_pattengale — 2019-06-18 04:24:37 UTC

My brother is scary smart with a Mensa level IQ. He struggles to function in the world and find gainful employment. He has difficulties making and keeping friends due to his inability to have general conversations. He would have failed numerous classes due to missing work were it not for our mother doing his work for him so he could get credit.

I was tested and tested and tested each year for the gifted program. My teachers always recommended me, but it took me a while before I actually "passed". I guess you could say I was one of those borderline kiddos. :)

2019-06-18 16:07:55 UTC

A grey area kid...I suppose :)

2019-06-18 16:10:21 UTC

I was tested and retested throughout elementary for the gifted program. My teachers always recommended me, but it took a while before I qualified. I guess you could say I was one of those borderline kiddos :)

- Charlene DeWitt

My

2019-06-18 16:11:17 UTC

Spouse & kiddos only.

2019-06-18 16:11:17 UTC

I am the only one in my family that has been labeled 'gifted'. Having said that, I am convinced my dad also was. My husband was also identified as were 2 out of my 3 kiddos.

-Charlene DeWitt

2 of my 3 kiddos have been labeled gifted, but my 3rd shines in other areas.

2019-06-18 16:12:45 UTC

My oldest (with the gifted label) absorbs information like a sponge. Socially, though, he struggles at times, relating to his peers. My youngest (also labeled as gifted) is completely different. He has to work a bit harder on academics but is incredibly imaginative. He has underachiever traits, though ...always looking to do "just enough" when he is capable of SO much more. Socially, he really connects to other gifted students but can have trouble relating to his other peers. He is my sensitive one as well. :)

Being a parent of gifted kiddos is wonderful, but can be challenging. (isn't that the case for all kiddos, though?! :) ) Over time, I have gained a better understanding of their sensitivity and tendencies which has helped me support them.

-Charlene DeWitt

A connection...

2019-06-18 16:37:19 UTC

I feel on some level I am drawn to and connect with students who have been labeled gifted. I LOVE working with them and seeing how their minds twist and turn. Their creativity often amazes me and they challenge me as a teacher. I feel that as I grow my understanding of giftedness, I am more prepared to help them in areas that are more of a challenge. Several years ago I used to teach a gifted elective in a middle school setting. It was by far, one of my favorite classes because like-minds had a chance to problem-solve, be creative and enjoy!

-Charlene DeWitt

2019-06-18 18:17:11 UTC

I was not identified until high school when I tested into a gifted high school in my hometown. The norm did not work for me and I spent my life thinking I was stupid until that moment. That experience helped me realize that I wasn't stupid, just more different than I knew.

Little Brother

2019-06-18 18:18:41 UTC

My brother was identified as gifted very young, and it had been a fascinating and frustrating experience having a gifted brother. His thinking and the way his mind works are brilliant and infuriating.

Minion #3

2019-06-18 18:20:21 UTC

We've discovered that one of my girls also fits this category, but she's more artistically inclined. She's starting to come rho terms with the fact that her mind doesn't work the way other people's work and has finally started embracing her difference. Though she does still struggle.

A Trying First

2019-06-18 18:29:32 UTC

Last year, I had a student in my gen ed English class who was gifted in math. It was trying. He could make interesting, if entirely of topic, connections. But he also could not seem to focus or engage on the content I taught. I realize I share some of the blame in that. I didn't understand how to guide him.

I didn't know

c_n_kreager — 2019-07-06 05:14:05 UTC

I didn't know!

c_n_kreager — 2019-07-06 05:14:06 UTC

Coming from a small school (graduating with 80) I had never even heard of GEM until I became a teacher.

I wish I knew before

c_n_kreager — 2019-07-06 05:16:48 UTC

As a reflect back on my first year teaching, even though I only had 2 students that were identified as gifted, I wish I had recognized that some students are searching for that more "gifted-like" learning style. I was so focused on my SPED students, and making sure they got what they needed I feel like I pushed my higher students to the side.

Since I have begun teaching I have been interacting with the needs of gifted students. I student taught AP students and teach Pre-AP students since I began with Marana which are classes that attract a large gifted population. Because of this I have been part of the MUSD gifted cohort the last few years to keep up to date on needs of gifted students.

m_l_longo — 2019-10-24 15:48:52 UTC

-Maria Longo

Shelby Wellman

2019-10-26 02:51:30 UTC

I had no idea gifted education was even a thing until I became a teacher. I took some AP classes in high school and originally, I thought that would be considered gifted.

Shelby Wellman

2019-10-26 02:52:59 UTC

I am the only one in my immediate and extended family to graduate college. My dad attended college for basketball and went to his first day of student teaching and dropped out the next day.

Shelby Wellman

2019-10-26 02:54:35 UTC

I have three littles, 5, 2 and 6 months. With my oldest just starting Kinder this year, I was unsure what to expect stepping into the role of a parent of a student rather than the teacher. Since I am a teacher, some of me feels pressure to have gifted children, but am proud of any and all of her achievements.

Shelby Wellman

2019-10-26 02:57:28 UTC

I have had very little interaction with GEM students. Currently, I have the SPED cluster, but also have one GEM student. I feel unable to reach her needs and it makes me feel like a poor educator.

Archeology kinda...

k_b_robinson — 2019-10-26 15:58:27 UTC

I was in a pull out group in 4-6 grade as a gifted student. I only remember doing alot of "new" computer type things, reading a large book, and we took a field trip to an archeology site and we got to dig...so not sure what we were looking for either.

Valedictorians and Salutatorians

k_b_robinson — 2019-10-26 16:01:12 UTC

We have a number of those in our family myself included, yet I am not sure that we were ever tapped to our potential. School was always easy and it was just expected that we would all be in the top five of our graduating classes. This dates back to my Grandmother.

All over the board...

k_b_robinson — 2019-10-26 16:03:15 UTC

I have kids that have received full ride scholarships to Universities, and I have some that have gone the tech route. I have a child that is fluent in 5 languages (never was approached to be tested for GIFTED and I didn't push it because of my own experience with it) and one that can't write English. But I must say that for choosing real life decisions he is the one that has the most success. The others over analyze everything - analyze to paralyze- can't make a decision. All of them though have successful jobs and are excelling- school was worrisome for all my kids at times. I have my youngest who is still in school, who got tested for GIFTED all the time but never hit the mark.

Change it up and Explore

k_b_robinson — 2019-10-26 16:08:34 UTC

I have decided that creating and exploring have really helped the gifted students in my class. They are the first to try new tech and make it - sometimes unconventional but still interesting- I allow for play for them if they want to spend 10 minutes scaling an image and making it look weird before they actually place it correctly then fine. They are exploring and figuring out how it works. But they always create an exceptional outcome on anything they do. If they want to create crazy Spanish conversations when I speak with them then great, because I know they have mastered the content based on their output and it takes rigor to make it more interesting.

I was never labeled as gifted in school. My parents were very strong believers in "not labeling your child".

2019-10-26 17:19:48 UTC

-Holly Kercheski

I don't believe anyone in my family was labeled gifted. I think my sister should have been but my parents would have never went through the testing.

2019-10-26 17:24:32 UTC

-Holly Kercheski

No kids yet!

2019-10-26 17:25:51 UTC

-Holly Kercheski

This is my first year having the gifted cluster. So I am excited to see what I can do to stretch their knowledge and make them grow as a learner!

2019-10-26 17:27:36 UTC

-Holly Kercheski

2019-10-27 21:21:38 UTC

At some point in elementary school I was identified as gifted, I can't remember exactly when but I do remember be pulled out of class for GATE classes.
Rosemary Nicolls

My brother

2019-10-27 21:23:21 UTC

My brother was identified as gifted some time in elementary school. School was really difficult for him, especially when he got up to middle and high school. It felt like school was a waste of time and he wasn't learning anything. Ultimately he dropped out of high school and completed his GED. He still has a hard time with traditional school to this day and doesn't hold a traditional job.
Rosemary Nicolls

2019-10-27 21:25:15 UTC

My eldest son, 10, was identified as gifted in 1st grade, he is your traditionally high achieving smart kid who does very well in school. My youngest, 5, hasn't been identified yet...but I think he probably will be. My youngest has very big emotions, swinging from happy to mad. He is also the type of kid who can't wear something if it doesn't feel right and who breaks down if he can't accomplish a task just the way he wants to on the first attempt.
Rosemary Nicolls

2019-10-27 21:27:33 UTC

I've had a couple of gifted kids in my class through the years, most of them are not what someone might think of as gifted. Some of these kids have come with some interesting quirks and behaviors, but this helps me to remember that not every bright kid is gifted and that gifted kids don't always fit that academically advanced mold.
Rosemary Nicolls

I am not gifted but was always a strong reader this got me through college.

m_a_longo — 2019-10-28 00:07:37 UTC

My children are gifted and amaze me, youngest son is getting his engineering degree and does things I don't even understand.

m_a_longo — 2019-10-28 00:08:19 UTC

All different with different strengths some

m_a_longo — 2019-10-28 00:09:27 UTC

Tested

e_m_williams — 2019-10-29 14:16:35 UTC

I was tested twice in elementary school but was always just shy of getting in. I was a strong reader so I was put into an enrichment group. I didn't know that was what it was until I grew up and started teaching.

Maybe one day...

e_m_williams — 2019-10-29 14:17:41 UTC

My little one is 4 and is in preschool. She is in all the higher groups in her class. She is very inventive, inquisitive and struggles with being wrong or imperfect. I don't know if her anger from being wrong or imperfect stems from just being four or if something more.

Cousin

e_m_williams — 2019-10-29 14:20:14 UTC

I have a cousin who was in the gifted program in elementary school. I remember one thing she said her GEM teacher told her was "It isn't hard, it is challenging. Hard describes rocks" or something like that.

Extensions everywhere

e_m_williams — 2019-10-29 14:21:36 UTC

I try to offer a lot of extensions for my students, whether they are GEM or not. Some kids are early finishers and I try to have enriching things for them to do. However, sometimes it is hard because some students rush through their work to do the enrichment/extension activity... balance is hard.

I took advanced and honor courses in middle school. I remember that we had a GATE program in elementary. I did not speak any English when I started school so I had difficulty with reading at first.

2019-10-29 14:55:53 UTC

Veronica San Julian

Mom of 2 Girls

2019-10-29 14:59:02 UTC

Both of my girls are gifted. Each one has very different personalities but are both very sensitive.
VSJ

2nd Year Gifted Teacher

2019-10-29 15:01:11 UTC

I have learned so much from teaching Gifted Education. I am learning so much about my students, children and myself. It has caused me to have more patience and compassion.
VSJ

GEM starting in 1st Grade, pull out program, missed one day of school 1-5 grade weekly to attend GEM at a different school. Loved It but was stressed by missing my regular class. In Middle School my reading class was a GEM reading class for 6-8 grade. Great teacher. Great experience.

s_j_edmonds — 2019-10-29 22:36:16 UTC

My parents have never been formally identified as gifted but I know that they are. My dad is the most intellectually gifted person I know. My husband was in GATE.

s_j_edmonds — 2019-10-29 22:37:52 UTC

Both of my daughters are in MUSD elementary school gifted cluster classes. Their teachers are amazing and they love the PBL based lessons.

s_j_edmonds — 2019-10-29 22:38:45 UTC

ashley_thelen — 2019-10-30 04:21:55 UTC

I was identified gifted in elementary school, but not the first time I was tested. I was in a pull out program one day a week in elementary school, and I loved the days I got to go! In middle school, the gifted program became a language arts block, and that was my favorite class in both 7th and 8th grade. I enjoyed being with other gifted students, as I felt like we understood each other better.

ashley_thelen — 2019-10-30 04:26:06 UTC

My brother, mom, and two children are gifted identified.

ashley_thelen — 2019-10-30 04:26:53 UTC

I always joke that everything in my house has BIG feelings. My 7 and 5 year old are both gifted, and we have lots of emotions in our house.

ashley_thelen — 2019-10-30 04:29:48 UTC

As an educator we are always growing. I'm in a new role in kinder this year, and navigating those littles is a challenge. I'm hoping to build more enrichment opportunities into my lessons for my high kiddos (no one in my class is identified at this point).

2019-11-02 14:48:01 UTC

I was never identified as Gifted, but I was always in advanced math at the start of primary grades. I always struggled with reading/comprehension.

Sister

2019-11-02 14:49:54 UTC

My younger sister was identified as gifted in elementary. She was placed in advanced classes all the way through high school.

First Year Teacher

2019-11-02 14:51:28 UTC

This is my first year teaching. I have 10 wonderful GEMers in my class, I student taught in a gifted and talented cluster, which gave me a little experience. I am thirsty to learn all I can about my GEM students and how I can support them better.

It all makes sense now.

p_n_himes — 2019-11-04 19:30:45 UTC

Growing up in small town Illinois (population 16,000), my elementary through secondary education schools never offered a gifted program-- only "honors" and AP. However, as I have learned more about gifted students, I have begun to make sense of a lot of things I didn't understand about myself growing up. I definitely relate to the need for an extra challenge, the over-sensitivities, and the un-ending perfectionism of gifted students. I just never had a word for it before. -Paige Himes

Voluntold for sophomore GEM, but loving it

p_n_himes — 2019-11-04 19:36:00 UTC

This past summer, MHS began to discuss opening a sophomore Pre-AP English GEM class to complement its freshmen counterpart. Needless to say, when it came to the discussion of who would teach such a class, my name continually came up (which was unknown to me until I was asked to fill the position). From there, I accepted the challenge and began learning about gifted education over the summer. After spending a quarter loving the humor and quirkiness of my kids, my quest for knowledge on how to further support them led me here to this padlet. -Paige Himes

I am not

2019-11-06 16:57:18 UTC

MrsPierpont — 2019-11-06 16:59:13 UTC

I am not a gifted kiddo. School was challenging for me, until college.

Sydnee Friedman

MrsPierpont — 2019-11-06 17:00:21 UTC

My youngest sister is gifted. She was identified gifted in elementary school.

Passionate Child

MrsPierpont — 2019-11-06 17:09:52 UTC

I have two children. One of which we call our "passionate child." She is very emotional and meticulous.

MrsPierpont — 2019-11-06 17:15:16 UTC

As a teacher in the classroom, I was always the cluster special education teacher. I don't have much experience teaching gifted kiddos. As an administrator, I work closely with our gifted teacher and would love to be able to support her and the goals of our program.

Me

2019-11-14 00:21:34 UTC

I believe in school I took part in a gifted program for girls who were gifted in math. There is not very much I remember about it.

I was a gifted student throughout elementary and middle school. I was also diagnosed ADHD so I kept getting in trouble for not staying in my seat and distracting others.

b_e_padilla — 2020-02-03 22:15:05 UTC

I see gifted kids in my classroom every day and I see different attitudes and characteristics. I think it is safe to say that gifted students do not follow a pattern.

b_e_padilla — 2020-02-03 22:25:00 UTC

Janine Tech

2020-02-04 00:46:01 UTC

I was not tested for or in gifted classes myself. =)

Janine Tech

2020-02-04 00:48:40 UTC

My daughter was in Gifted, for math only. My son was never tested but shows many of the qualities of a gifted learner and I wish I would have requested to have him tested.

Janine Tech

2020-02-04 00:50:13 UTC

My daughter struggled with being a perfectionist, she still does. Luckily she's 22 now and can understand her emotions better.

Janine Tech

2020-02-04 00:51:01 UTC

I've had the GEM cluster for 3 years now and I absolutely LOVE it! I love their questions, the challenge of finding topics that will spark their interests and helping them with there anxiety and perfectionist qualities.

2020-02-04 18:43:52 UTC

Unsure

s_d_callahan1 — 2020-02-04 18:45:51 UTC

I went to a small school in Iowa until I was in middle school and then I traveled back and forth until my freshman year. The small school I attended was a K-12 school and there was only 12 in my class. Testing for gifted education didn't happen. When I moved to Arizona I remember the school counselor telling me I could't take the higher classes that I tested into because I wasn't the appropriate age and I wasn't in GEM. After discussion I was allowed to take all of the AP classes and did very well in them. So unsure if I would have tested into it or not.

Two Opposite Kids

s_d_callahan1 — 2020-02-04 18:49:13 UTC

I have a son who is extremely bright when it comes to mathematical skills, science, and technology. He is shy, doesn't like attention and often is overlooked in his classes. I was told not to have him tested for GEM because he would go into a pullout program it wouldn't be fair to others in class not to have someone like him to look up to and model after. When it came time to test for accelerated math I was told he wasn't chosen because he didn't ask enough questions regardless of the fact he scored an ES on AZMerit and he had nearly a 100% in math for the past 4 years. He is in accelerated math and is kicking butt...he loves it and has found his tribe. My daughter is a social butterfly and tested into the Bright Start program in Kindergarten. She is verbally articulate and smart, but she is also in a reading group as she has poor reading/writing skills. Its as if something gets stuck between her brain and her hands. Ask her a question she has the answer. Ask her to read or write it down and she struggles.

Don't Know What To Do

s_d_callahan1 — 2020-02-04 18:55:09 UTC

As a classroom teacher I was first introduced to GEM kids when TMS started doing their version of honors classes for SS and Science. I HAD NO IDEA WHAT TO DO WITH THESE KIDS!! More work? More challenging work? If I knew then what I know now...I would've been a way better teacher for those kids. If I could go back and apologize for not giving them what they needed.

Have 4 children, 2 out 4 tested gifted other 2 didn't qualify, but still considered high achievers, etc

2020-02-11 20:50:13 UTC

Kelly Kulp

2020-02-12 19:52:33 UTC

I teach the gifted section of Geometry and AP Calculus BC at MHS. I see many students who are gifted. I also have many gifted students sprinkled throughout my other classes. It keeps me on my toes to have to give them problems that meet their level of understanding, as well as be ready for them to solve problems in unique ways.

I was not tested for gifted or in a gifted program.

2020-02-12 19:55:31 UTC

My sister and my brother both qualified for a gifted program in elementary school.

2020-02-12 19:55:50 UTC

Kelly Kulp

2020-02-12 19:55:58 UTC

I could easily say that my mom is gifted (and not in mathematics!) She is gifted verbally and artistically. When she went to high school she was allowed to fly under the radar, which is good because sometimes I think she gets burnt out using her talents too much.

I have 2 children. I would consider my oldest as high achieving, he did not qualify for the gifted program.

2020-02-12 19:56:35 UTC

I am a 2nd grade teacher. I have had the gifted cluster for 2 years. I enjoy differentiating for gifted/high achieving learners.

2020-02-12 19:57:51 UTC

Elementary School

j_l_cella — 2020-02-16 18:33:24 UTC

Tested into gifted in 2nd grade. Was a part of a program called IMAGE so I got to attend a separate class once a week with 10 or so of my peers across the grade. Very small gifted population at my school. No supports in middle or high school for gifted. Advanced classes were offered and it was suggested that gifted students enroll in those, regardless of strengths/weaknesses. Anyone could enroll in these classes and like most advanced or honors levels courses in the 90s, the pace was quicker, tests were more difficult, and you had more homework. Zero movement in the classroom. Book work and lecture style from middle school on. Elementary school gave me the opportunity to have project based learning and I still remember the majority of the assignments or activities that my gifted teacher planned each year for us.

M

j_l_cella — 2020-02-16 18:37:40 UTC

My cousin

j_l_cella — 2020-02-16 18:37:50 UTC

I have a cousin who is highly analytical and misunderstood. He is truly gifted but in a specific academic field, science. He went on to become a scientist and graduated with some type of doctorate from Duke. When interacting with him, he often seems to lack empathy but he is very hard on himself and gets frustrated easily if he is incorrect about something that is fact/evidence based. His intelligence level is very high but he also possesses a lot the anxieties or social issues that aren't uncommon among the gifted population.

j_l_cella — 2020-02-16 18:39:47 UTC

Unfortunately, I am unable to contribute from this perspective.

j_l_cella — 2020-02-16 18:40:13 UTC

This is my 4th year with gifted students. I have never had this many students with the gifted label. Prior to MUSD, I would usually have one section. I have taught a section of 6th and a section of 7th grade gifted ELA. This year I have 3 sections in the 8th grade. Initially, I equated gifted to meaning high performing and better behaved. My first year with gifted students I was working in a Title I school and students came from a variety of backgrounds, most from single parent homes or unstable home situations where they would not see their guardian for a few days because of varying schedules. I was naive to think these students had the supports at home to be successful when I assigned homework, that they were all great test takers, or that gifted meant zero behavior issues. I quickly learned that gifted doesn't equate to any of those things and that not all gifted students are the same or fit into this narrow minded stereotype. This year I'm learning how to differentiate assessments as well as instruction for the broad variety of learners I have and how to support my students emotionally and socially in the classroom. It has really changed my teaching for the better to have gifted sections the past several years.

Shelby Wellman

2020-06-07 15:36:48 UTC

I was never tested for gifted and actually didn't even know it was even a category until I became a teacher. I was always in AP classes in high school, but other than that I was just in the regular classroom.

Shelby Wellman

2020-06-07 15:39:27 UTC

I have a 6 year old, 3 year old, and 1 year old. I think my 6 year old is a grey area kid, my 3 year old has a lot of behavioral characteristics of a gifted student, but that could just be me over analyzing now that I am taking a few gifted classes :)

Shelby Wellman

2020-06-07 15:39:38 UTC

I have always taught the SPED cluster and this year I am making the switch to the gifted cluster. I am pretty nervous, but am very excited for this new adventure and taking it all that I can to prepare for the new year!

Tested...

2020-06-07 22:22:57 UTC

But didn't make the cut when I was in 3rd grade, but I had no idea.

New Experience

2020-06-07 22:24:09 UTC

I was told two days ago that I would be teaching a section of Gifted Math/Science. As a previous music teacher, it's frightening but at the same time, I love a challenge, so my immediate thought was "Let's do this". I'm big on finding out the "why" behind things; hopefully this will make a huge difference in working with Gifted kids!

"Giftedness" was not a thing that I was aware of in my education. I was asked to help 4th graders with reading when I was in 5th or 6th ~ that was the only "acceleration" I received or was aware of ....

2020-06-08 00:21:41 UTC

Tricia Bartley

No family members were "identified" but I really do think that so many people are gifted in ways that are never recognized, per se.

2020-06-08 00:24:47 UTC

Tricia Bartley

I have 3 daughters who are so very talented in many ways but not "gifted".

2020-06-08 00:26:23 UTC

Tricia Bartley

I've had the gifted cluster a few times and have worked to ensure students are engaged and challenged. I love the spark, the interactions with gifted students.

2020-06-08 00:28:02 UTC

Tricia Bartley

Average Jo

2020-06-08 17:34:10 UTC

I was a regular Jo in school. I was unaware of a gifted program until advanced placement classes in high school.

Jody Mitchell

Dad

2020-06-08 17:43:12 UTC

My father has always been interested in everything. A real tinkerer and scientist.

Jody Mitchell

Who knew...

2020-06-08 17:46:52 UTC

Both of my children have been GEM students in MUSD. However, they are totally different. One is a hard worker and expresses herself well. The other is very mathematical and an under achiever.
Jody Mitchell

GEM Cluster

2020-06-08 17:52:39 UTC

I love teaching the GEM cluster and have done so for many years. I really appreciate their unique perspectives and the variety of strategies they bring to each lesson. I especially love their quirky interests and try to integrate them into our lessons.
Jody Mitchell

Upper Elementary

a_n_irigoyen — 2020-06-08 18:05:57 UTC

When I was in upper elementary I was often pulled from my math classes to participate in small group deeper thinking math programs. Then I didnt think anything of it- it was just fun!

First year with the gifted cluster

a_n_irigoyen — 2020-06-08 18:07:15 UTC

This year for the first time I had the gifted cluster and it. was. difficult. I am hoping to gain more confidence when it comes to planning and accommodating my gifted learners.

Jana - I have never been identified as gifted, nor do I think I am. I always worked hard to earn As and Bs when I was in K-12 but was different from my brother who was identified gifted in elementary school.

2020-06-08 19:11:29 UTC

Jacobo Carrasco

jacarrasco1 — 2020-06-08 19:11:33 UTC

I attended a small Catholic School and never knew gifted education was a thing. I did have a learning disability in school and struggled a bit especially in Math.

Jana - My brother was identified gifted in elementary school and was pulled out of his gen ed classroom several times a week/month. He intentionally sabatoged a test one year so that he no longer had to participate in the gifted program at our school b/c he did not like being pulled-out (away from friends and the attention he garnered from it) of his classroom.

2020-06-08 19:13:01 UTC

New to Gifted Education

jacarrasco1 — 2020-06-08 19:15:58 UTC

This past school year was my first year in the Marana Unified School District and it was the first time I heard about gifted education. I may not have been aware of it in my last school district. I am excited to learn all there is to know about gifted education.

Not Gifted

2020-06-08 20:37:20 UTC

I struggled in school until I entered college. Then taking classes that interested me, I became engaged. I love to read and create.

Sister & 2 Sons

2020-06-08 20:42:21 UTC

My sister was in a pull out program for gifted in elementary. She was and still is quite a dreamer with far out ideas. My two sons are both gifted however; after they entered high school they lost interest in learning. I secretly call them my 'gifted slackers.'

Underachievers

2020-06-08 20:46:46 UTC

My sons are underachievers and it is exacerbating as a parent. They are both very bright and creative. Untapped talent. They work hard at their jobs and have great relationships with others however; they lack focus, or drive.

Love it!

2020-06-08 20:55:06 UTC

I have worked with gifted kids in various grade levels. I try to be mindful of different learning styles when I teach. Gifted children tend to have a dominate style which I try to cultivate. It is a unique blessing to discover and foster their talents. The enthusiasm to learn can be magnam Tricia Johnson

Teaching "Bright Start"

2020-06-08 21:01:55 UTC

I have been teaching "Bright Start" for the last 3 years. I began this journey in Kindergarten. I had 8 of my students qualify for "Gifted" in Kinder. There was quite a vast difference in their abilities. I am teaching first grade now. I continue to learn and grow as a teacher as I have gained great insight into gifted characteristics in the early years...

Enjoy it!

2020-06-08 21:12:07 UTC

I have worked with gifted learners in a variety of grade levels. I enjoy their fiercely independent nature and oftentimes quirkiness. It is a pleasure to work with people who are passionate about certain topics. They push me to learn and be a better educator.
Tricia Johnson

Jana

2020-06-08 23:02:20 UTC

I have 1 daughter who is qualified GEM in MUSD and going into 5th grade. She has been part of a GEM cluster since 2nd grade and has absolutely thrived! My going-into-3rd-grade daughter has been part of the Bright Start program since kinder. She did not qualify for GEM when given COGAT so starting in 3rd next year she'll be in a typical classroom for the first time in her school career. Both of my girls are polar opposites and high-performers in school. They both LOVE school and I love that, of course!

Jana-

2020-06-08 23:06:11 UTC

I am excited for this class because not only will I learn more about how to best help my daughters, but I believe that gifted learners have different needs and that I will be able to better meet their needs after taking this class!

Not sure

laleoni — 2020-06-08 23:49:12 UTC

I do not know if I was ever tested. I did take some advanced classes starting in middle school. I always did very well in school but I could have just been a hard working middle of the road kiddo.

A couple

laleoni — 2020-06-08 23:51:34 UTC

I have had the chance to see two very younger cousins grow up. One of which I would identify as gifted even from the age of three. My older brother always gave off some gifted characteristics and was tested in elementary school but did not pass the test.

New to this

laleoni — 2020-06-08 23:53:41 UTC

As I am so new to this I have found that teaching gifted kiddos is much more difficult than teaching struggling kiddos. I feel like identifying is finally becoming easier but helping them be productive is hard and has been a weakness all year.

2020-06-09 00:26:11 UTC

I was in the gifted program in my elementary school as well as going to the next grade for my reading instruction in elementary. When I moved and changed districts at Jr. High, I was not aware of any gifted programs and was an average student for Jr. High and High School.

2020-06-09 00:28:42 UTC

I don't know of any family members who would have been considered gifted. My dad thinks and sees things in a way that is very complex and mathmatical. .

2020-06-09 00:30:42 UTC

I have three very different learners. None of them were ever tested for any type of gifted education. One of them, I would easily believe was very much an underachieving twice exceptional student. His ability to see things in his mind and carry them out into a working model amazes me. My other two had very different experiences in school, each successful in very different areas.

2020-06-09 00:34:33 UTC

Since the district implemented the model of clustering gifted students, I have only had that cluster one time. However, prior to that, I did have gifted students in each of my classes. I am finding that many of the strategies for teaching gifted students is also beneficial with other types of students.

Raina

l_e_york — 2020-06-09 01:03:04 UTC

I was in gifted education through middle school and had some wonderful experiences.

l_e_york — 2020-06-09 01:04:35 UTC

I don't have any family members that were identified as gifted, but certainly, there were some!

l_e_york — 2020-06-09 01:05:46 UTC

Both of my kids are extremely bright and gifted in areas, but didn't qualify. Both are gifted in totally different areas, which makes an interesting dynamic.

l_e_york — 2020-06-09 01:09:36 UTC

I was fortunate enough to begin my career teaching with a peer that was very knowledgeable about gifted education and differentiation. She was a tremendous support for me as I took on the gifted clusters.

Tested...

s_i_quiroz — 2020-06-09 01:32:22 UTC

I was a struggling learner in K-1, but by third grade I was thriving. In fifth I was tested for our gifted program but didn't make it in. I remember feeling deflated and embarassed at the time. I went on to take advanced and honors classes in junior high and high school. All turned out well in the end. :-)

Family

s_i_quiroz — 2020-06-09 01:36:40 UTC

My niece is gifted, and my nephew receives enrichment services although he has never been tested (they live in NH). My mom and her siblings are all highly intelligent, high IQ individuals, but I don't believe they attended any "gifted" program at school or received any additional services. Each of them have very unique strength and interests.

Daughter

s_i_quiroz — 2020-06-09 01:43:42 UTC

My daughter was tested for GEM in kindergarten. Her teacher felt that above everything else, her high emotional understanding of others combined with her academic ability, it would be an appropriate thing to look at. She didn't make it into the program and we never persued it any further. She has taken honors and AP classes all throughout middle school and high school.

GEM Kiddos

s_i_quiroz — 2020-06-09 01:46:59 UTC

I believe I have had gifted (GEM) students in my class every year since I began teaching. Even when I did not teach the GEM cluster, numbers or team-teaching led to me always working with GEM kiddos. The last several years I have had the gifted cluster and I greatly enjoy it. Gifted learners keep me on my toes, and I enjoy their often unique way of thinking and fun personalities. I am excited to explore new ways to help them stay engaged and growing acadecmically.

Tested as gifted and tracked through it all through school.

2020-06-09 17:16:52 UTC

all 4 of my kids have been tested and fit into gifted in some way.

2020-06-09 17:17:26 UTC

all 4 of my kids have been tested and fit into gifted in some way. Figuring out how to help them manage their educational journey has been a challenge.

2020-06-09 17:18:25 UTC

Gifted in school, but couldn't care less..

b_l_ransom — 2020-06-13 03:57:35 UTC

I was definitely an under achiever. I was Gifted, but in Middle school and high school didn't really bother with anything because it was not interesting, and easy to catch up with. Kinda hurt me in college as it turned out, because I skipped out of classes to long, and I couldn't catch back up. Once I matured a little, it was all easy again, I was just experienced enough to sit through the drudgery

I love and hate them....

b_l_ransom — 2020-06-13 03:59:45 UTC

I work with main stream kids mostly, and so I generally get a couple kids that are gifted in each class at the high school level. They are both a joy to teach, and SO frustrating. Either they are SUPER grade oriented (what can I do to bring my 98% up?), super lazy (which I relate to, but doesn't make it easier to handle), or unwilling to engage in classroom discussions, often because they have a hard time expressing HOW they know things.

k8 gifted

2021-02-28 21:02:34 UTC

identified in 1st grade, in self-contained gifted district cohort through 8th, the AP track thru 12th

sisters

2021-02-28 21:03:38 UTC

2 sisters also identified. Mom very active in gifted community support groups. Dad would have been if they tested then. Cousin extremely gifted, running Mars science & being a mom!

Missed

2021-02-28 21:04:24 UTC

Son gifted but not the testable kind or the quiet one sitting with hands folded.. Affected his elementary tracking and in some cases, teacher misunderstanding of his gifts.

Mentor and Cheerleader

2021-02-28 21:06:31 UTC

endorsement to give back for all the good teacher I had who understood gifted. Love the realm of possibilities when working with gifted kids. Look out for the gifted kids within a general class room -- they need different nurturing & room to be gifted

2021-03-01 18:08:48 UTC

I was initially tested for GEM in 2nd grade and barely missed the cut off. I was again tested in 5th grade, scored well enough and placed into GEM for 5-8th grade. I don't feel like my 5-6 grade GEM experience was very good...there was nothing that challeneged us or allowed us to use our talents-just higher grade level work.

2021-03-01 18:11:26 UTC

One of my brothers is defintely gifted but was never tested. I have an aunt who was placed in a gifted school back in the 60's and several other family members that were likely gifted but these types of programs were not available to them. Additionally, my husband was in the FW giften program.

2021-03-01 18:13:05 UTC

I am a parent of a gifted 7th grader. He was about 3 when a very close family friend who worked with gifted children told me he should be tested. We had him tested fo GEM as an incomnig kindergartener and he qualified in math. He has had some amazing GEM teachers but the gen-ed setting was a struggle for him.

2021-03-01 18:14:42 UTC

The idea of working with gifted children is what drove me to become an educator. I would love to work with gifted kids in a gen-ed setting (be the cluster teacher). It has been my experience that many children are not identified because so many educators view gifted children as exceptionally smart and forget that giftedness does not fit in a box and that talents are incredibly diverse.

In the program from elementary through high school.

2021-03-01 20:00:32 UTC

3 of my children were all in the gifted program. 2 of those are graduated from high school and in college. The other is in high school.

2021-03-01 20:01:10 UTC

My oldest is off the charts for reading, writing, and math. The youngest is the same. The middle one was mathematically/science/logic gifted.

2021-03-01 20:02:15 UTC

Gifted education at the high school level requires a teacher who has either been in the program or has had children in it. Gifted high school students will try your patience in terms of knowledge, laziness, and at times, motivation. But, they love being able to shine in their own classes without being labelled the "nerd" "geek" etc.

2021-03-01 20:03:24 UTC

Tested in Elementary

shpfleiderer — 2021-03-01 22:58:55 UTC

Was tested for gifted and scored high marks. Dunno if I was actually taught in a "gifted" way in elementary but it did translate/transfer with me to middle school (in another state). Still felt under-engaged...

Over-achievers

shpfleiderer — 2021-03-01 23:00:24 UTC

My nuclear family growing up was full of over-achieving entrepreneurs, so I learn a perspective and work ethic that eventually carried my "vast" intellectual capacity to something meaningful and constructive.

"Big Brain"

shpfleiderer — 2021-03-01 23:02:13 UTC

One child has a "big brain," but is a classic under-achiever; the other child has a "normal" brain but has an extraordinary work ethic.

Yes and No

shpfleiderer — 2021-03-01 23:02:59 UTC

I have worked with many gifted students individually but not a whole class of gifted students.

Todd Johnson

2021-03-02 03:39:23 UTC

I was in gifted programs in elementary and middle school. The program was an after school program versus one that connected to daily classroom instruction.

Todd Johnson

2021-03-02 03:42:44 UTC

I don't know of any other family members that were identified as gifted.

Todd Johnson

2021-03-02 03:44:27 UTC

My daughter was identified as gifted in elementary school, but the program didn't seem to be very organized. She viewed it as "more work" and opted out in middle school.

Todd Johnson

2021-03-02 03:48:09 UTC

I have had gifted students dispersed in my ELA classes, but I've not taught a true gifted section. I'm excited to learn more about what goes into "Gem-ifying" instruction and adding to my toolbox.

It is a privilege I get to share Music with all sorts of learners from gifted to regular to SPED and every mix in-between when the classrooms come into the music room! I love seeing all the different ways all children learn.

klleal1 — 2021-03-02 03:59:35 UTC

When I was a child it was called the "Challenge Program" at my elementary school and I never qualified for it, though see aspects and traits of a gifted learner in myself now as an adult. It would be fun to take an adult "GEM PLACEMENT" sort of test.

klleal1 — 2021-03-02 04:01:09 UTC

Qualified as a Student

czpowers — 2021-03-02 17:30:31 UTC

I tested into GATE in elementary school, but chose not to be part of the program. I wish I had.

None

czpowers — 2021-03-02 17:31:36 UTC

Nobody in my family has been associated with GATE. GATE wasn't even a thing for my parents.

Taught GATE

czpowers — 2021-03-02 17:32:49 UTC

I have taught a GATE class when I did my student teaching and LOVED it. The conversations and ability to grow with this class is amazing. I have always wanted to teach GATE again, but I am not certified, hence the course. Some schools that I have taught at before do not recognize GATE which is find interesting because many students want and need the challenge.

Degrazia

2021-03-03 00:06:11 UTC

I was placed in math a year ahead as a 3rd grader, then moved to the 4th grade class full time (skipping a year effectively), and was placed in GEM at Degrazia.

Second Year

2021-03-03 00:10:20 UTC

This is my second year of teaching in MUSD and I have had multiple GEM identified students each year. They are just as varied as the rest of my students, have the same diversity of needs and engage with ideas and learning differently.

Eddy Walker

2021-03-03 14:52:21 UTC

My wife and I are two non-gifted learners who are the parents of a gift learner and a non-gifted learner. My oldest daughter was identified as gifted learner as a kindergartner. It is an emotional rollercoaster with highs that are very high and lows that are really low :)

Eddy Walker

2021-03-05 02:31:10 UTC

I wasn't gifted and was actually in remedial programs for math, reading, speech and gross and fine motor skills until about fourth grade. The more I learn about my one gifted kid and the students that I interact with, the more parallels I see between the specialized needs and supports required for both gifted and SPED students.

Eddy Walker

2021-03-05 02:35:59 UTC

My dad was probably gifted. He didn't really receive any educational support at home and school wasn't a priority. While has was versatile man of many talents, he experienced a lot of struggles throughout life. I think a void was formed in his life because he didn't get the support that he needed to support his talents. I heard stories about him finding less than productive ways to fill that void :)

Eddy Walker

2021-03-05 02:43:11 UTC

I taught Social Studies for eleven years and while I always felt that I had high expectations for the students in my classroom, I could definitely sense that the gifted learners were bored and maybe even unfulfilled in my room especially in my early years. This started to change a little bit as MUSD began to develop PD, structures, and requirements for both differentiation and the Gradual Release of Responsibility Model.

Gifted

2021-03-07 20:06:51 UTC

I tested into the TAG program when I was in 3rd Grade. I continued gifted education all the way up until 8th grade. In high school, I was in AP Courses. - John Bribiescas

Family

2021-03-07 20:07:48 UTC

I had a few cousins that were gifted as well. - John Bribiescas

GEM

2021-03-07 20:08:08 UTC

Although I am not the full-time GEM teacher, I have had to implement some accommodations as I have GEM students in my remote classes. - John Bribiescas

Cluster to Self-Contained

tjstender — 2021-03-08 03:11:34 UTC

I had the gifted cluster my first couple years of teaching and I always loved what they added to our class. The ones that were identified at the time (it was only 2nd grade) were the high achieving gifted students. Now, having taught self-contained, and knowing more about gifted students I realize I had a few under achieving gifted students who had not been identified yet. I would have done so many things differently had I known then what I know now.

I was tested and placed into GATE in third grade. It was a pull out program and some years we had to ride the bus to a different school on our GATE days.

2021-03-10 22:48:18 UTC

Andrea

Neither of my parents were in a program, but that probably wasn't an option when they grew up in small town Ohio and the Bronx.

2021-03-10 22:49:30 UTC

Andrea

I have three daughters who have been placed in the GEM program after they qualified. They are all very different and have very different talents.

2021-03-10 22:50:21 UTC

Andrea

My heart has always been in supporting the outliers, both gifted and special education. I think both groups can be very misunderstood and I always want to be there to advocate for them and support them in becoming their own personal best.

2021-03-10 23:24:00 UTC

Andrea

First Timer

2021-03-24 23:42:21 UTC

This is my first experience with gifted students and I have to say it is impossible to put them all in the same category. Even if I have students who may be gifted in my content area (ELA/SS), one may be gifted in writing while the other is gifted in verbal expression of ideas and concepts. It's so hard to differentiate the types of gifted learning that occurs in my room.

Jennifer Williams-Griner

2021-04-22 21:10:16 UTC

I wasn't allowed to be labelled "gifted", and my parents would not let me be accelerated nor participate in gifted classes for fear of alienating my younger brother.

Kindergarten-Maniscalco

2021-05-23 14:59:58 UTC

I had never heard of any gifted program growing up until I started doing hours for teaching

None

2021-05-23 15:01:00 UTC

I don't have any family members who are gifted nor am I

GEM

2021-05-23 15:01:51 UTC

As a kindergarten teacher it is really important to identify GEM students early so that they are challenged in the classroom.

I was a gifted learner in elementary and participated in GEM as a MUSD student and also took advantage of the middle school elective course for gifted students.

2021-05-23 18:02:48 UTC

-Aubry Leonard

Both my siblings were identified as gifted and participated in GEM through 6th grade. -Aubry Leonard

2021-05-23 18:03:50 UTC

I have three young children. My oldest and middle have both been identified as gifted in kindergarten. My youngest is only 3, but a real whipper snapper. I have my hands filled with strong emotions/opinions and enjoy challenging them academically from home especially. -Aubry Leonard

2021-05-23 18:05:06 UTC

I have a passion for the gifted student.. I was one, I have children that are identified... I absolutely see the need to differentiation and seek to capitalize on talents and grow weaknesses. I am particularly aware of the social constructed of the gifted learner and have taken a really interest in that sub-category lately. Of course I am always looking for the latest and greatest techniques to use in the classroom. -Aubry Leonard

2021-05-23 18:07:46 UTC

Learning

azlozano — 2021-05-23 19:38:12 UTC

I still have yet to fully understand what it means when a child is gifted and is eligible for the gifted program. Having this past year be my first year, it was really hard to know where my students were at that was a normal place for them to be, or whether they were gifted. I really hope to learn how to better identify and support my gifted students in the future.

Honestly, I don't remember anything with gifted in elementary school. I know my teachers had leveled reading groups but other than that I can't think of anything else. In Junior High and High School I self selected the accelerated and AP classes.

2021-05-24 02:18:57 UTC

~Christena Tenney

I was the first person in my family to take advanced classes. Neither of my sisters had interest in doing so. My dad will tell you he didn't take school seriously until after high school.

2021-05-24 02:21:04 UTC

~Christena Tenney

I have two gifted sons. They are a catalyst for my taking this class. I want to better understand them! I think that some of my frustrations with them may be thwarting some of their creativity.

2021-05-24 02:22:55 UTC

~Christena Tenney

Most of my 17 years as an educator I have worked with below grade level students. I know that I want to broaden my knowledge of gifted students since that is not an area I have developed before.

2021-05-24 02:24:38 UTC

~Christena Tenney

Elementary GEM in MUSD

2021-05-24 15:22:33 UTC

I was in GEM for 3-6th grade. I went to Butterfield, but back then, the GEM students were bussed to Thornydale once a week for GEM with students from 3 or 4 other MUSD elementary schools.

Sister in GEM

2021-05-24 15:24:09 UTC

My little sister was also a product of the MUSD GEM program. <3

Daughters in GEM

2021-05-24 15:25:20 UTC

My three daughters are/were in GEM in MUSD.

Feeling underprepared...

2021-05-24 15:26:10 UTC

I have had some AMAZING minds in my class and have felt unprepared to challenge and support them. I am looking forward to getting some ideas and strategies to support gifted learners in my general ed classroom.

3rd Grade, Full circle

m_j_forrester — 2021-05-24 17:46:37 UTC

I recall a particular day when I was in third grade. Mrs Longville had posed a math problem to the class. We were gathered on the "carpet area" and had just been given the problem and then dismissed to our seats to solve. As the teacher had dismissed us, I approached her with the answer to the question. That was the first time someone had noticed I could be gifted and she immediately explored the option. I tested in to the program that semester.

none

m_j_forrester — 2021-05-24 17:49:26 UTC

I havent heard of any other family members experiencing a gifted program. After I tested in to the program, my brother tested but did not make it. My father dropped out of high school and my Mother graduated from high school.

A little bit of everything

m_j_forrester — 2021-05-24 17:50:45 UTC

I have had the opportunity to teach a gifted cluster in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. I have been able to collaborate with a handful of different GEM teachers between Roadrunner and Quail Run. I am excited to teach all children, but I do particularly enjoy the gifted cluster.

I was a gifted student and LOVED it and I want to give that experience to my own kiddos.

2021-05-24 22:16:43 UTC

kkstefanski1 — 2021-05-27 01:25:58 UTC

In elementary school and even throughout high school I don't remember much about having a gifted program. We had "accelerated math" but wasn't called that. I was a very average student so I have no personal experience with a gifted education.

kkstefanski1 — 2021-05-27 01:30:51 UTC

I do not have any family members that have participated in any gifted education program.

kkstefanski1 — 2021-05-27 01:31:58 UTC

I have two children but they are not in school yet (8 months and 3 years old). I do not have any personal experience in this column from a parent perspective.

kkstefanski1 — 2021-05-27 01:33:42 UTC

This was my sixth year teaching and my first year with gifted students. I felt very restricted to reach their specific needs through zoom. I also did not start the year with them since our class rosters were switched often. I was the remote teacher all school year and met my GEM students third quarter. I wish I had more time to get to know them and do more with them. Time was our worst enemy. I will have GEM students next year as well as accelerated math students. I am looking forward to learning from this class on how to best meet their needs.

Newbie

2021-05-30 01:50:04 UTC

This past year was my first year teaching the GEM cluster and it was an experience that I want to continue to grow in. It definitely had many challenges, but also a lot of opportunity for me to grow.
Shelby Wellman

AP and advanced, but not gifted

2021-05-30 01:51:55 UTC

I too took many advanced and AP classes, but was never tested for gifted. I am not even sure if my small town in MN that many years go offered such a thing!
Shelby Wellman

Just getting started

2021-05-31 18:45:32 UTC

Last school year I had the GEM cluster for 6th grade through first quarter. Over half of my class was in GEM. I was switched to 5th grade beginning in 2nd quarter and I had 3 GEM students in that class as well. I only taught remotely last year, so I have not yet had GEM students physically in front of me in the classroom.
This coming school year I will have 6 GEM students in my classroom.

Samantha Rotondella

Was a sibling to a “Gifted” student

2021-06-01 16:14:48 UTC

As a child I thought I was always not as intelligent because I was never recommended for the gifted program. I later learned that my intelligence is displayed in atypical ways that were not assessed by the gifted assessment.

2021-06-01 16:15:40 UTC

Having twins they are amazing and unique. They have both been tested for GEM and demonstrated strengths in different areas!

2021-06-01 16:16:46 UTC

I LOVE my GEM students. They keep me on my toes. They raise questions that lead to amazing classroom discussions as well as argue alternative points to lessons! They are very much appreciated!

Overlooked

v_f_badeaux — 2021-06-10 21:56:38 UTC

I went unnoticed until freshman year of high school when I tested into a gifted magnet high school.

Little Brother

v_f_badeaux — 2021-06-10 21:58:01 UTC

My brother was identified early and is one of those that people at the time talked about being on the "madness and brilliance are two sides of the same coin."

2 years

v_f_badeaux — 2021-06-10 21:59:12 UTC

I've worked with gifted kiddos at the 7th and 8th grade level. This last year I was differentiating for them as best as I could in the remote space.

I recall being taken out of class for testing.

2021-07-15 22:36:03 UTC

2021-07-15 22:36:24 UTC

My daughter qualified, and I remember that I never really thought about her as gifted as she was never the highest or quick thinker. Goes to show that you never know, and that gifted students are not always the ones you think!

Long time ago...

r_l_hammer1 — 2021-11-08 19:07:10 UTC

I went to Lulu Walker and I recall being in GATE or REACH, but don't remember the details. I have always been a big reader.

Not sure

r_l_hammer1 — 2021-11-08 19:07:42 UTC

I don't recall if any family members were/are gifted.

Two kids, different ideas

r_l_hammer1 — 2021-11-08 19:08:32 UTC

Mine are gifted in very different ways, and pare3nting gifted children is hard!

Learning each year...

r_l_hammer1 — 2021-11-08 19:09:49 UTC

Every year I continue on with gifted students, I learn more and more and it challenges all of my preconceived notions.

I'm not sure

afcolvin — 2021-11-09 22:54:28 UTC

I was never specifically tested for a gifted learner program. It was not until high school when I had teachers ask why I was not tested.

My mom & sister

afcolvin — 2021-11-09 23:53:46 UTC

Both my mom and my sister are very intelligent. Although, I don't think either of them were specifically identified as gifted learners.

N/A

afcolvin — 2021-11-09 23:54:04 UTC

I'm not a parent

In my own classes

afcolvin — 2021-11-09 23:57:17 UTC

I have multiple students in my classes this year that are qualified as gifted learners. It's interesting to see that the majority of them are all in the same class period, too. These students are very diligent and often work much faster than my other kids- a lot of which have IEP's. I'm very interested in learning how I can make my class more engaging, and maybe even challenging, for these students.

Gifted In Co-taught

2021-11-10 16:38:54 UTC

I am currently a co-teacher in a 4th grade classroom that has two GEM kids. It has been very interesting to me to see the different ways that they learn. I am excited to learn more about how GEM students learn and ways to make things more engaging for them. My co-teacher and I rotate through stations so we each get to work with all of the students. I have had to learn to modify assignments but not in the same way that I modify for students with an IEP. I am excited to learn more ways to support GEM students in the classroom.

I had no idea what gifted education was. I don't remember hearing anything about gifted programs in school.

2021-11-14 03:48:49 UTC

My mom was an amazing writer, and I remember stories my Grandma would tell me about things my Mom wrote about.

2021-11-14 03:50:34 UTC

Both my children are incredibly smart. My daugther was never ablet to test into Gem in elementary but starting in Junior high to honor classes and advanced Math. My son tested twice and got into Gem in 4th grade, with Ms. Thelen!

2021-11-14 03:52:50 UTC

I have worked closely with gifted students and am the most interested in students who are twice exceptional!

2021-11-14 03:54:13 UTC

I qualified for GATE when I was in school. I hated it! I was really shy and the class was all about creating and collaborating. I really just wanted to do my own thing and be left alone. I was usually "sick" on the days when I went to the gifted class.

2021-11-15 19:47:46 UTC

As an educator...In my previous district we called it REACH, instead of GEM. However the characteristics are the same. Students who can act and think outside of the box on a regular basis fell into a category where they needed special attention. Sometimes these students don't fit in and have some social issues and they don't always understand their classmates. If taught correctly, these students become challenged and may learn social cues that don't come easy to them.

cdhinz — 2021-11-15 21:38:02 UTC

Separate Classes

2021-11-17 02:13:14 UTC

Self-contained classes for students who thought outside the box.

Children

2021-11-17 02:20:16 UTC

My son was my first experience of learning about a gifted child.

Gifted Students in the class

2021-11-17 02:21:55 UTC

I stuggle as knowing how to push a gifted student. I always us them as a good example for the whole class.

Mixed Bag

2021-11-17 19:12:50 UTC

I have one gifted child and she is at TP in the gifted class since 3rd Grade. She had many behavior issue in her younger years and has many big feelings. She is very passionate. She also has been a challenge. I have other kids that have been identified as Learning disabled so my kids are all very different. I have learned to be patient. I am learning many new things!

No GEM for me

2021-11-18 22:42:12 UTC

I remember having friends in GEM in elementary school, but I wasn’t and was never tested.

2021-11-18 22:45:28 UTC

As a child I had no experience with gifted education. I had friends who were in it, but no my myself or anyone in my family. As an educator I wonder how many kids go unidentified and I try very hard to challenge my students with opportunities to think outside the box, which in turn makes it easier for me to identify or refer students for GEM testing.

j_l_miller — 2021-11-19 18:52:51 UTC

I knew nothing about it until I began teaching.

d

j_l_miller — 2021-11-19 18:56:00 UTC

I have family members who were extremely intelligent, unfortunately where we came from nobody was tested.

j_l_miller — 2021-11-19 18:57:12 UTC

My daughter was tested a couple times in elementary school, but never qualified. Unfortunately, she ended up losing her passion for education and began failing classes in high school.

j_l_miller — 2021-11-19 18:58:12 UTC

I really knew nothing until I got the GEM cluster one year and they left my room one day a week.

Gifted in Elementary

2022-05-22 02:38:08 UTC

I was tested in 2nd or 3rd grade and was part of the gifted pull out program at Manzanita, in the Catalina Foothills District. I don’t remember much about it. Going on to OGMS and CFHS, I took the honors or AP classes, but nothing was labeled gifted after 5th grade. I liked being in the harder classes because there weren’t as many kids messing around in those classes. I felt like I was able to learn more in those classes.
Sara Lawson

Family

2022-05-22 02:42:16 UTC

My parents didn’t have any gifted program, though both are incredibly smart. My children have all tested. I was sure the two girls would pass, but none have passed the MUSD gifted test.
Sara Lawson

0/3

2022-05-22 02:46:05 UTC

My children have all been tested for the gifted program in MUSD. None of them have passed. They are all bright, and 2 are extremely bright.
Sara Lawson

Strategies

2022-05-22 02:53:05 UTC

I get to teach most of the kids at GFE, so I get to see lots of gifted kids! I’m excited to learn more strategies to use with them!
Sara Lawson

Jo Anna McCrmick

2022-05-22 16:37:55 UTC

I was in a gifted program (cohort) in middle school. I took a gifted math class in high school. I graduated with honors from the Honors College at the U of A.

Jo Anna McCormick

2022-05-22 16:39:11 UTC

Three of my grand children have been serviced for giftedness in the Marana School Disrict.

Jo Anna McCormick

2022-05-22 16:41:04 UTC

My own children were educated differently. They attended college full time as early as 15 years old. They picked their classes.

Jo Anna McCormick

2022-05-22 16:42:18 UTC

I have had kids identified as gifted in my class. I know that I need more training to teach them effectively.

Almost Gifted

2022-05-23 03:17:16 UTC

When I was in elementary school, I was tested for GEM two separate times, but never officially qualified. I wonder how the standards then differ from the standards now and if that would have changed anything....

Dad and Uncle

2022-05-23 03:18:39 UTC

My dad and his friend (basically my uncle) were some of the most intelligent people I ever knew. They grew up in a very different time, so I don't think that was "a thing" then, but I bet they would have qualified if it was!

My daughter

2022-05-23 03:19:58 UTC

I always knew my daughter was a little different and exceptionally bright. She just qualified and I am so excited for her! I'm excited to take all the gifted PD so that I can not only understand my students better but understand her better too.

Differentiation

2022-05-23 03:21:25 UTC

I haven't had much experience with having students in GEM, but I know that differentiation is very important. I also know that it isn't just "giving them something more to do" but really finding something to enrich their learning experience. I hope to learn more about how to do that in this course!

Jackie

2022-05-23 04:28:47 UTC

I was tested for the gifted program in 5th grade but didn't qualify.

Jackie

2022-05-23 04:30:02 UTC

I don't think my dad was in a gifted program when he was in school but I believe he could have been. He has a different way of thinking and is highly intelligent.

Jackie

2022-05-23 04:31:11 UTC

I have two kids and neither of them has been tested for gifted education.

Jackie

2022-05-23 04:39:55 UTC

I love working with kids in the gifted program. This coming year will be my 3rd year teaching 7th grade GEM ELA and it's been really rewarding. I feel like I'm teaching "to my people", even though I've never been in gifted education myself. There's a depth and a level of creativity and verbal expression that happens in the class that I enjoy and crave.

As an Educator

2022-05-23 16:31:50 UTC

When I taught at Rattlesnake Ridge I was the GEM cluster teacher for many years.

I was never considered Gifted and did not know about this program as a student

2022-05-23 16:58:26 UTC

2022-05-23 16:59:46 UTC

No one in my family has ever been Gifted. My dad was very good at math though and was helping his mom and older brother with their math assignments.

When I attended School, I don't remember hearing anything about gifted education. I graduated in 1979, so this was possibly before it was offered to students much. I will be interested in learning the history of gifted education.

2022-05-23 17:48:22 UTC

My youngest son was identified as a gifted student in 5th grade. He enjoyed the diverse types of learning opportunities that he experienced in his classes.

2022-05-23 17:49:42 UTC

As a special education teacher, I understand the unique learning styles and abilities of all students and have truly enjoyed the process of discovering each students gifts and talents.

2022-05-23 17:55:04 UTC

Sister Observer!!!

2022-05-23 19:37:14 UTC

Sister to a gifted student, brother. His learning path was interesting and created many opportunities!! I watched how he excelled academically in the school system I also watched how his identity became rooted in his academic achievements. He is very successful today and I attribute this to his GEM courses or GATE where we are from.

Aggressive Progressive

2022-05-23 19:45:31 UTC

Don’t let the title fool you! I have always enjoyed pushing students to their limits socially and academically! The delicate balance of challenging and supporting is real and needs to be strategic. So the aggressive side of this came with me! I had to observe, develop relationships with and know my students so well that the push and pull could be used intentionally. I was aggressive with getting to know mys students deeply quickly. Never classified as a GATE teacher I did work with the Buck Institute ideals as well as Stanford.edu and their Project Based Learning curriculum. This information has enabled me to be strategic with all students and highlight their multiple intelligences.
My first year in MUSD 19/20 I had GEM students. They were a fun group who I could challenge! They not only excelled in their standards they were making deeper connections to societal changes and concerns. We were able to take those connections and create great projects based on their desires and self motivated challenges.

Would Love To Do More

2022-05-24 01:34:20 UTC

I have worked with many gifted children throughout my career, but have always felt that I could be doing more to fully support their growth. In classrooms of mixed abilities, I have appreciated their insights and love to hear their contributions, but did not feel that it was fair to expect them to lead all conversations. As an Instructional Coach, I would like to be better prepared to support our staff who work with these students so that their practices challenge gifted learners and keep them engaged. -Candice Reinhardt

My Brother

2022-05-24 01:37:03 UTC

My little brother has been identified as gifted but struggles to succeed in school. When speaking with him, he is very unmotivated to complete his work yet speaks as if he is a grown adult. He has a tremendous amount of knowledge in many subject matters, yet is the quintessential "underachiever". I would love to know more about how I can support his continued growth. -Candice Reinhardt

Gifted for myself

2022-05-24 17:55:11 UTC

I was not gifted identified. I was in advanced classes in Junior High and High School. I had anxiety about testing and never took the AP tests. One of my favorite classes was AP Art History at Amphi High School.

Rebecca Delaney

2022-05-24 17:58:13 UTC

My daughter is in the gifted program. I believe my husband is gifted and he is able to learn things with little effort. He dropped out of high school and got his GED and scored highest in AZ at the time. He is very successful now.

Rebecca Delaney

2022-05-24 18:09:35 UTC

My daughter is gifted and has been in the program since third grade. My other children had IEP's and struggled with school in general.

Bright Start/Gem First Grade

2022-05-24 18:20:59 UTC

This was my first year teaching the bright start/gem cluster class. I learned many new things and I would like to continue to learn more about how best to meet my students needs. I had all abilities and one of my lowest readers scored very high on the CogAT. This made me think that I need to make sure I stay open minded and I also want to get the word out that we need to look very carefully at all of our students to provide all with opportunities to be "gifted." I had a wonderful class and I had so much fun teaching them. I really explored their interests and tried some new units out. I am excited to do this all again and keep learning right along with my students.
-Rebecca Delaney

My 5 year old

2022-05-25 20:43:19 UTC

My son is twice exceptional. He was diagnosed with autism the summer of 2019. His scores showed that he was gifted in the area of visual spacial skills. -Tawney Petiti

My sister

2022-05-25 20:47:43 UTC

My sister was identified as gifted all through elementary, middle, and high school. She has a photographic memory, and things come extremely easy to her.

-Tawney Petiti

Not even close...

2022-05-25 20:49:17 UTC

I am wonderful, but not gifted! I have insane ADHD and struggle to retain information -Tawney Petiti

Tested into Gifted and Struggled

2022-05-26 19:05:34 UTC

I was enrolled into a gifted class in elementary and stayed with it until I graduated high school. I didn't know that going back to regular classes was even an option and I struggled to keep up with the readings in the gifted / AP classes

I taught the GEM cohort during my first year of teaching last year.

2022-05-26 20:23:40 UTC

I had the GEM cohort last year and I was new to differentiation. I had to come up with extension assignments when I had not anticipated students finishing so early.

I was tested for REACH in Amphi when I was in elementary school. I never found out how I did, and didn't make it in.

2022-05-26 20:23:42 UTC

No experience personally

2022-05-26 20:24:45 UTC

I was not in gifted education. I remember testing, because I always scored high in school, but I did not qualify.

Family

2022-05-26 20:25:36 UTC

I don't recall my parents even mentioning being in gifted classes or anything. My dad seems like someone who would have been gifted in math.

I teach every student

2022-05-26 20:26:36 UTC

I teach music, and so I have every student in the entire school in my classroom.

2022-05-26 20:27:19 UTC

I have taught the GEM cluster class before, and I felt like I didn't challenge my gifted students adequately. I have new ideas that I would love to try now.

Early Education

2022-05-27 14:12:54 UTC

I always struggled in school until I got older and started to push myself because I wanted to. I felt most of my life I was stupid. It wasn't until I became a teacher that I realized there even was such a thing as GEM. I wonder now if I just wasn't being pushed at an early age like I should have been and if that would have changed my early days in school.

2022-05-27 14:14:39 UTC

I was an only child and was never tested for giftedness. My parents didn't really believe in that sort of thing.

2022-05-27 14:16:04 UTC

My daughter is just starting school but is already showing some signs of giftedness. We will wait and see what her teachers think next year

2022-05-27 14:16:45 UTC

I had some students in class who were borderline GEM, but I have not worked with any GEM students yet.

3rd Grade Teacher

2022-05-31 21:42:03 UTC

School was not hard for me; testing was very difficult. I moved schools a lot growing up, so sometimes I was ahead and sometimes behind. I remember not wanting AP classes in high school because if I got anything other than an "A", it would affect my GPA and I knew I had to pay for college. So, I took Adventure Guides instead!

3rd Grade Teacher

2022-05-31 21:43:28 UTC

My mom was usually the only girl in all of her classes growing up and I witnessed her get her Masters degree when I was in 5th grade. She and my sister were both considered gifted.

Different minds - same parents!

2022-05-31 21:47:09 UTC

Both of my children started learning through projects very early (preschool). We moved to Tucson last year and both have tested into the GEM program. They both analyze things very differently. They both work quickly and are "done" (yes, those kids!). My son needs interactive, hands on learning and makes connections; my daughter needs to process and reason.

New to MUSD and cluster GEM

2022-05-31 21:48:57 UTC

I've always worked with gifted children, but usually integrated into my general education classes. I am interested to learn more about the cluster model!

2022-07-01 22:17:12 UTC

My only experience with gifted students is having them in my general education classroom. Often times my experience with them was recommending them to be tested for gifted and if they qualified they would receive pull out services. I feel like I have not done a great job of meeting their needs in my classroom which is why I wanted to take the class. For example, last year I didn't teach the gifted cluster class but one of my students tested for gifted at the end of the year. I had a feeling he was gifted throughout the year but was unsure of how to challenge him and make sure his needs were being met.

Marana 2340

2023-05-25 14:49:28 UTC

Both of my kids were K-12 Marana; they were tested in 1st or 2nd grade and both became part of the Gifted cohort. They were noticeably academically smart; we always joked that it was my New York genes in an Arizona school system. Lisa Ackermann

Sister and Husband

2023-05-26 16:18:40 UTC

My sister and husband were in the gifted education programs available in the school district we grew up in. They both are very driven and perfectionist gifted. -Julie Bradshaw

3/4 Kids are identified Gifted

2023-05-26 16:27:59 UTC

Three of my kids have been identified as gifted. My oldest was never identified, but shows a lot of gifted abilities in his strong empathic abilities and sensitivities. They are all unique and different in their own ways and have helped me as a parent to stretch and grow. Julie Bradshaw

6 years of Working with GEM Students

2023-05-26 16:31:49 UTC

I taught for 5 years in Kindergarten where I always had several students qualify at the end of the year and so though they were not officially identified I was differentiating and supporting their needs as gifted students. This year I switched to 3rd grade and had the GEM and accelerated math cluster.
-Julie Bradshaw

I have a son that tested for GEM in elementary school, but didn't quite make the cut. In classes he excels and feels like it isn't challenging at all. Much of the time he finishes early, which he now loves because he gets to draw and be the artist he is.

2023-05-30 16:45:39 UTC

New to GEM

2023-05-30 16:47:40 UTC

I was asked to teach our GEM classes at MMS this coming school year only days ago. I am very excited, but also know that I have some big shoes to fill.

Son

2023-05-31 18:11:38 UTC

My son took the gifted test in high school, as a freshman. Things about his personality, behviors, and our interactions with him were more clear after we got the results!

First Grade

2023-05-31 18:15:31 UTC

After taking the self-advocacy class last year, I have realized how much students need help in this area. I decided to take the Foundations course to dive deeper into gifted education so I can better help first graders in my classes in a variety of ways.

Tested

2023-06-01 00:00:21 UTC

I was tested for gifted education a couple of times in elementary school but I'm not sure anything ever came of it. My school was small and the only option for gifted children was to skip a grade, no special classes per se. I didn't test quite high enough to skip a grade.

Variety

2023-06-01 00:01:50 UTC

My gifted students fell into one of a few categories:
1. in my AP class
2. bored in class
3. helpful to other students
4. always asking questions and ready for more

My son began the gifted program in the 3rd grade of 2020. At the time he felt it was more work, but we explored the fact that 2020 was a unique year. He now loves being able to think in different ways with others that think differently as well.

2023-06-03 20:34:23 UTC

I am really grateful that my son has an avenue to think creatively and supports to navigate through being a gifted student.

2023-06-03 20:35:38 UTC

I appreciate that schools and classrooms need to have inclusion. However, we have many supports for students that needs more resources for learning the material taught in class. I wish that the gifted students had additional supports offered to keep them engaged and motivated.

2023-06-03 20:37:31 UTC

Francia Rubio

2023-06-04 17:29:16 UTC

I currently finished my 3rd year teaching and have had a few gifted students. Each one is unique in their way of learning and has made me reflect on different support strategies for their learning.

Colette Trujillo

cetrujillo2 — 2023-06-09 13:58:12 UTC

I was not gifted. As I learn more about gifted, kids I see similarities in myself when I was young, although not enough to be considered gifted :)

Brothers

cetrujillo2 — 2023-06-09 14:00:31 UTC

I have two brothers both tested for the GATE program in CA. So they were on the radar but i'm not sure they qualified. My sister in law used to teach in the GATE program.

Running theme

cetrujillo2 — 2023-06-09 14:02:43 UTC

It seems there is a running theme in my family experiences - I had some gifted qualities as a child, my brothers were pulled for GATE testing, and now as a parent, my kids have exhibited many gifted-like qualities and are high achievers. However for all of those situations, none resulted in an official mark as gifted.

On average I have had about 1-2 gifted students in my classroom each year. Initially, I just connected their giftedness with high achievement, and quick processing abilities. Since then I have grown to understand so much about giftedness beyond just "abilities."

cetrujillo2 — 2023-06-09 14:07:08 UTC

I moved to AZ from SD just before 6th grade. I don't think they had any gifted programs at the school I went to in SD. I don't remember being specifically tested for gifted classes but I took Honors English and other Honors/AP classes, like Science, after 6th grade. -Jaime Drobeck

2023-06-17 17:51:23 UTC

Jaime Drobeck

2023-06-17 18:05:06 UTC

I think my Dad would have been considered gifted if they would have done testing back then. At least one of my brothers is gifted. Most recently, my nephew qualified for GEM in Marana. :)

Jaime Drobeck

2023-06-17 18:10:41 UTC

I think my son is gifted. He reminds me a lot of me in that he always excelled at ELA, Social Studies, and Science, but struggled with math. Unlike me, he got much better at math when he got to college and passed classes like Calculus and Statistics. He was never tested because he went to a private Catholic school. If testing was an option, I never heard about it. I kind of wish he had been tested though, mostly just to validate my opinion. :)

Jaime Drobeck

2023-06-17 18:20:34 UTC

I have taken several of the district book studies about gifted education. I always have gifted kids in my classroom but since I teach primary and haven't had the gifted cluster in my classroom, none of them are identified until testing takes place throughout the year. Not always, but often, the gifted kids I have had are usually some of the most sensitive, stubborn, (seemingly) adversarial, empathetic, challenging, funny, and most amazing kids that I get to teach. You know - those awesome kids who drive you crazy but whom you enjoy and love anyway (or maybe because of the reasons they drive you crazy).

2023-09-18 23:50:59 UTC

It was in NY. It was an all day pull-out. I remember it only being a handful of kids. These kids went on to become doctors and scientists and were off the charts smart.

Both of my kids were identified as gifted. My daughter is an over achiever and loved it. My son is an under achiever and hated it.

2023-09-18 23:52:03 UTC

I have two gifted kids (one an over achiever and one an under achiever). One an extrovert and one an introvert. Two very different students.

2023-09-18 23:53:41 UTC

I've taught for 27 years and still learning. I always loved having the "GEM" crew because they were known as the high achieving kiddos who were easy to teach. Things have changed and now they tend to have a lot of anxiety and are not all high achieving and "easy."

2023-09-18 23:55:05 UTC

GEM Through and Through

2023-09-19 23:15:13 UTC

I was tested and identified as gifted in second grade. I participated in the once-a-week self-contained gifted classroom at Twin Peaks Elementary, the GEM elective class at Marana Middle, and AP and honors courses in high school and college. I have a lot of emotional turmoil around "being a gifted kid" and how I'm still unsure of what it means (not just "smart" or "good at school," I've been told) and how it does or doesn't affect my life today.
- Cass Brandriff

Older Sibling

2023-09-19 23:17:17 UTC

My older sibling was also identified as gifted in elementary school in MUSD. I watched them struggle as they got into college and lacked skills to help with studying and focus.

Opposite of What I Promised

2023-09-19 23:22:12 UTC

In college, I promised myself I'd pay more attention to my gifted students than my teachers did to me and provide opportunities to deepen their learning outside of serving as peer tutors. Now, I find myself so overwhelmed by supporting struggling students (including some who are gifted) that I lose track. In my subject area (choir), I struggle to find ways to support both my students who are gifted in music and those who are gifted in other ways. My understanding from college in Colorado is that they primarily identify students as gifted or talented in specific subject areas, with many fewer students receiving general cognitive gifted identifications.
- Cass Brandriff

I was in the gifted program throughout elementary school. In middle school I had advanced classes and then AP courses in high school.

2023-09-21 18:21:22 UTC

My dad, brother, and sister were all placed in the gifted program. However my sister had a teacher that made a big deal about how my brother was the only actually gifted one in our house.

2023-09-21 18:22:33 UTC

I have two very gifted kids, but my daughter is doing really well in a co-taught class instead of a gifted class because she struggles with sequencing. She loves math, and is amazing when she is able to understand the instructions. My son is thriving in advanced classes, and loves the academic portions, especially the ELA.

2023-09-21 18:24:00 UTC

This is my first year teaching in a gifted classroom.

2023-09-21 18:24:15 UTC

Old School GEMmer-Janelle Edmonds

2024-05-22 22:17:02 UTC

I was identified for the "TAP" program back in the early 80s in MUSD in first grade and by 2nd or 3rd grade the GEM program was developed. I rode in a bus from Roadrunner to DeGrazia at first and later Thornydale for a once a week pull out program by grade level. I was the only person in my grade level from my school until 5th grade. It was lonely but I loved GEM and my teachers, Judy Looper and Judi Lester (Gentry). I continued in GEM in middle school in my reading classes and AP and advanced classes in high school.

Gifted Parents-Janelle Edmonds

2024-05-22 22:19:54 UTC

Although my parents have never been officially tested I have zero doubts that they would qualify for gifted services if they were in school today. They exhibit so many of the characteristics and overexcitabilities.

Gifted Children

2024-05-22 22:21:19 UTC

Both of my daughters are in the GEM program in MUSD. They have benefitted from the program at TPK8 and advanced programming options at the high school.

AP And Academic Decathlon

2024-05-22 22:29:47 UTC

As an educator, I have taught honors, AP and Academic Decathlon. Each program has about 1/3 students per class period that are identified as gifted. Having the notifications on Synergy has been super helpful in identifying which kids need different support. Teaching an accelerated or honors course is not the same as providing gifted services and I have worked hard to differentiate assignments and instruction to meet the needs of students all the while knowing they needed more.

REACH/GEM

2024-05-23 05:01:34 UTC

I grew up in Texas and I know there were programs similar to GEM in my elementary school. I think it was called REACH.

REACH/GEM

2024-05-23 05:12:26 UTC

I grew up in Texas and I know there were programs similar to our GEM program in my elementary school. I think it was called REACH back then. -Liz Strathman

My daughter

2024-05-23 05:15:32 UTC

Our youngest daughter just qualified for GEM after 1st grade and will be starting in our GEM program next year as a 2nd grader. I will be teaching GEM for the first time next year as well and I am looking forward to learning about Gifted learners as a teacher and as a parent wanting to understand our daughter more. :)

-Liz Strathman

New GEM Parent

2024-05-23 05:20:23 UTC

I am a new GEM parent! Our youngest daughter will be in 2nd grade next year and just tested into GEM. I will be moving from teaching 3rd grade to teaching 3rd grade GEM at our school next year as well! I'm so excited to watch her learn in this new environment and to learn how to help her and our oldest daughter more.

-Liz Strathman

So Curious!

2024-05-23 05:23:48 UTC

I have always been so curious about the GEM program in our district and loved learning from the GEM teachers at our school when I first started teaching in Marana 4 years ago. I loved planning as a grade level with the GEM teacher giving ideas and explaining how they would be learning the concepts we all needed to cover. I am so excited to grow and learn as I take on this opportunity to join our GEM team!

-Liz Strathman

Not gifted

j_l_smoot — 2024-05-23 21:25:29 UTC

K-12 MUSD student here. Was never tested (or considered) gifted, but I was usually in the same class as my peers who were in GEM. I think I was just a "bright" student.

Well...

j_l_smoot — 2024-05-23 21:27:42 UTC

My sister was identified as gifted early in her schooling. I would bet a lot of money that my mom is also gifted. My boyfriend and I think our five year old son will also eventually qualify.

13 years

j_l_smoot — 2024-05-23 21:29:27 UTC

I've worked with gifted students for many years. For the last 8 years, my experiences with my school's gifted population has manly been through social interactions due to my school's self-contained gifted classrooms.

BROTHERS

2024-05-24 23:38:13 UTC

Both of my brothers are fantastically gifted and school was so easy for them. One went on to become a successful doctor, the other didn't graduate college on time because of his procrastination, disinterested in boring classes, and lack of organization. Still smart, and successful now... but it was interesting to see their different learning styles.

Amanda K Summer 2024

Interesting...

2024-05-24 23:40:30 UTC

We moved around a lot as a military family and I went to school in many states and countries. Some schools I had gifted classes and some I did not continue in gifted classes in middle school or beyond but always had accelerated/skipped classes. Amanda K Summer 2024

3 of them

2024-05-24 23:41:40 UTC

I have three kids and many times I can see gifted tendencies in many areas, but then there are also many deficits. Oldest high anxiety, second couldn't care less, third too adhd to function. It's wild round here.

Amanda K Summer 2024

Years of experience, but years of failure

2024-05-24 23:45:58 UTC

I have many years of experience with gifted students in my class before we went to self contained classes. I definitely was not prepared to differentiate, I don't feel like the college of education did not prepared me to teach the wide range of students in my classroom. I felt inadequate as a teacher for years... Amanda K Summer 2024

Peculiar children

2024-05-26 19:47:12 UTC

My son was obsessed with insects at a very early age. I thought that was peculiar Anyhow, we checked out various library books on insects and ended up buying a few as well. It didn't take long before he could rattle off all sorts of insect information. After entering the gifted program in MI, they gave him additional diagnostic tests. He was the first student in the school's history to earn a perfect score on the math placement. (I honestly don't where in his DNA this came from!) Now as am adult, he still loves math but has concentrated his efforts in data of all things! He's currently a senior director for Comcast.

Our daughter was also peculiar. She started speaking at a very young age and could form short sentences before two. People were shocked when she spoke to them. I quickly found out that she couldn't have any tags in her clothing. She also hated jeans and other coarse fabrics. When moving onto solid foods, texture was a huge issue. To this day, she has to be the pickiest eater I've ever known! She currently teaches 4th grade and is working on writing a novel.

TAG

2024-05-26 21:03:47 UTC

I was part of a pull-out TAG (Talented and Gifted) program in elementary school, but I remember feeling anxious about missing whatever instruction was happening with my classmates while I was in TAG.

As a gifted learner myself, I know it can be exciting and difficult.

mlyoungling — 2024-05-27 04:27:41 UTC

One yes, One no

mlyoungling — 2024-05-27 04:31:42 UTC

My daughter is a gifted learner and my son is not considered a gifted learner. Learning both learning styles can be the biggest challenge sometimes.

2024-05-27 04:35:07 UTC

I was put into gifted and talented classes in elementary school, but didn't excel and eventually moved back in to general ed classes and was much more successful.

2024-05-27 04:36:52 UTC

My parents graduated HS in the sixties and i'm fairly certain didn't have gifted options. My mom has a HS diploma and my dad has bachelors degree and 2 masters and was a successful engineer.

3 out of 4

2024-05-27 04:42:29 UTC

My 3 oldest children are gifted and math accelerated, we started in the gifted program in flowing wells and then moved to Marana. My oldest son got a little lost with covid in HS, he continued to take AP classes, but his grades weren't great, he lost his motivation to keep trying. My 2 middle children are high achieving gifted students who thrive in the gifted environment. My youngest just this year was identified with specific learning disabilities in 1st grade and is pulled out for services in reading, writing and math. She definitely is an outside of the box thinker and a problem solver, so we will see where her educational journey takes her.

first year

2024-05-27 04:46:45 UTC

I just finished my 1st year of teaching 5th grade after getting my degree 20 years ago and staying home with kids and then subbing for 6 years. I had a GEM qualified student in my class who chose to step away for a year due mostly to social reasons. what i saw was that whoever she sat near often worked hard to rise to her level and many students went to her for help and advise. She wasn't as bored as i might have expected and she seemed to thrive emotionally and socially being mixed with gen ed students.

Grandpa

2024-05-27 15:23:07 UTC

My Grandpa is a part of MENSA, High IQ Society, and worked and retired as Chief Engineer at Boeing. His math skills are unbelievable.

-Charlotte Galvan, Estes

GEM Daugher, SpEd Son

2024-05-27 15:28:21 UTC

My daughter was identified as GEM last year and loves her GEM program. It has inspired me to learn more about how we're challenging her mind at home. Also, my son qualified for SpEd services last year, and now receives Speech, Hearing Impairment, ELA pullout, and SEL counseling services. We are so thankful that our MUSD school offers these much-needed services to children.

-Charlotte Galvan, Estes

ELL to GEM

2024-05-27 15:33:13 UTC

I switched from the ELL cluster teacher to the GEM cluster last year. I taught ELL for 10 years. ELL teaching is a much slower pace, with visuals, demonstrations, and frequent check-ins. As the GEM teacher this year, I enjoyed being able to move faster and have a more student-led classroom. I am looking forward to learning how to stretch their minds.

-Charlotte Galvan

GEM Student

2024-05-27 22:39:36 UTC

I was in the MUSD GEM program in 3rd-6th grades. I was bussed from Butterfield to Thornydale for GEM once a week with the best teacher, Mrs. Looper! It was a wonderful experience and I'm grateful I got to participate in it!

Sister

2024-05-27 22:40:49 UTC

My little sister was also in GEM and we had fun sharing that experience.

3 in the GEM program

2024-05-27 22:43:21 UTC

All three of my kids were in the GEM program in elementary school. They all decided not pursue it any further once they got to middle school because they wanted to use that elective time for other interests.

Challenging!

2024-05-27 22:45:15 UTC

It is wonderful having students who are gifted, but it is also challenging. Keeping them engaged, growing, challenged, and excited about learning is a lot of work! :)

2024-05-27 22:55:12 UTC

I was never identified as gifted. I did have friends that went to another class and did fun things, but I never knew what it was until I was in high school.

Family Members

2024-05-27 23:33:33 UTC

My brother's kids tested into the gifted program in MUSD. They love their experience with their classes

~Salina Wolf

My son is gifted

2024-05-27 23:35:05 UTC

Recently my son tested into GEM. I always knew he had some characteristics and is quirky. The way he learns fascinates me and I love his explanation of things

~Salina Wolf

2024-05-27 23:36:49 UTC

I have always worked with gifted students. I am always looking for opportunities to engage their mind and way of thinking.

~Salina Wolf

Advanced vs Gifted

2024-05-31 00:32:37 UTC

I was in advanced courses all through school. I assume because of test scores. In junior high school there was a group of us from various elementary schools that were all placed into an advanced math, and we basically stuck together all the way through high school. I never considered us to be gifted, just hard workers.

Different Thinkers

2024-05-31 00:38:00 UTC

All three of my children think in different ways. All three were in some type of advanced courses in school. Were they gifted? Probably, but not all of their educators recognized gifted "thinking" because they were very focused on "processes".

Appreciating Original Thoughts

2024-05-31 00:45:19 UTC

As a math student, I learned the formulas first, then recognized how to apply them to everyday life. As a math teacher and previous STEM teacher, I realize the importance of discovery to support understanding and application. Unfortunately, discovery takes time, and the pressure of getting through content rarely affords us the luxury of time. I love seeing new thought processes and guiding students to be able to describe their OWN thought processes for problem solving.

Excluded

2024-05-31 16:28:02 UTC

In late elementary school, I was excluded from the GEM program. I recall the "gifted" kids telling us all the new words they were learning, and I felt jealous. I always was identified as a smart kid, and I felt left out. :(

No family history

2024-05-31 16:29:03 UTC

None of my family members have been in gifted education. Though my sister and I took many honors/AP classes, we never were identified as gifted.

The struggle with differentiation

2024-05-31 16:30:53 UTC

It's always been a challenge for me with my on-level classes to differentiate content in a way that doesn't punish the gifted students and doesn't confuse / exclude the on-level students. With individual check-ins, I was able to push the gifted students, but it's not always feasible.

Not Gifted by Comparison

2024-06-03 15:56:10 UTC

All three of the kids in my house tested into the gifted program, but we had a teacher who told my sister she wasn't gifted by comparing her to our younger brother and she convinced both of us girls my brother was the only "real" gifted one.

Family of Gifts

2024-06-03 15:57:59 UTC

I think all my family is gifted in such different ways. My mom is a hyper artistic creative perfectionist. My sister somewhat follows that artistic path, too. My dad and brother are lateral thinking, critical thinking gurus.

Gifts in Kids

2024-06-03 16:03:27 UTC

We have given our kids a unique life. As missionaries in Beirut, Lebanon for 10 years our kids went to a school there where they were learning Arabic, French, and English. The fluency of those languages is expected much later because they are learning all three at once. This is definitely a place that our kids shone that isn't seen in America. Both kids have been recommended, but we only had my son tested thus far. With the culture shock and trauma of living through the explosion in Beirut in August 2020, the co-taught class my daughter was placed in was perfect for her. She crumbles if pushed too hard too fast still and so we want to give her another year of adjustment. She is very imaginative. My son is loving GEM and excels at higher academic expectations. He loves learning chess, and I am working on this class at the UofA while he attends an engineering camp for a week.

First and Only

2024-06-03 16:07:02 UTC

I taught GEM for the first time as a full class and they were a real challenge. I had many twice exceptional students, so I am also learning more about autism and dyslexia this summer as well. Next year I am going to be teaching "normal" 6th grade, but I will continue to use so much of the differentiation and project based work I did with my Gemmies. As a gifted kid that is now a teacher I recognized a need to learn about individual needs because all gifted kids are so different

I was not considered gifted but had a brother who would go to the "special" class once a week. He was embarrassed by going to a "special" class but I know he really enjoyed it.

2024-06-04 17:09:17 UTC

While my brother was considered gifted he would a bit of a dingbat with everyday things. When we would find oven mits in the freezer, he would answer the phone but not really talk to who ever was on the phone. Very interesting watching him as a child.

2024-06-04 17:14:11 UTC

I have 3 children who are all very different. One tested into GEM at 1st grade and it was very obvious. He was and still is a total mathlete. The next two children were not tested but excelled in more outdoor activities. It is interesting to watch how 3 children raised the same are so different in so many ways.

2024-06-04 17:18:57 UTC

Years ago I have some gifted students in my classroom and loved getting their ideas and view points within class discussions. I am excited to have that again

2024-06-04 17:20:38 UTC

Different Than Expected

2024-06-05 16:33:48 UTC

I assumed that gifted students would be high achieving and highly motivated in the academic setting. While some students are, I have found that is not the norm. While my assumptions might not have been correct, having taught gifted students has made me a better teacher and a better human.

Early On

2024-06-07 22:12:36 UTC

I was in a class for gifted students in elementary school, but never knew it and neither did my dad. When the option was presented for me to go to a middle school that was geared for gifted students my dad did not send me and because it was not our home school and he was not clear on why I got paperwork offering me a spot.

Three For Me!

2024-06-07 22:22:50 UTC

All three of my children are gifted. Two have been part of the GEM program. However, I wish I would have understood what It meant meant to be part of GEM when my oldest was in elementary school. He was tested and he had such bad anxiety we would not allow him to do it because we didnt think he could handle switching classes and an icreased amount of work. Looking back I wish I would have allowed him to be part of GEM.

Gifted Cluster Teacher

2024-06-07 22:25:45 UTC

I have had gifted students in my class for the past 9 years. I have had the priveledge of working closely with Tori Moreland who has mentored and supported me in learning how to best support gifted students in my classroom.

Jenna

2024-06-08 22:26:57 UTC

I grew up in an area and district that didn't have gifted services readily available at every school. If you were identified gifted you were bused to a school that served only gifted students. I appreciate being in a district now that has so many opportunities for all our students at any ability.

Jenna

2024-06-08 22:54:23 UTC

Like I mentioned before, access to gifted education or gifted services wasn't readily available where I grew up. I am positive my oldest brother would have been identified and possibly my middle brother as well.

Jenna

2024-06-08 22:56:39 UTC

Both of my boys (1 & 2) are showing a love of learning and are very curious. I am excited to see where this takes them throughout their educational journey.

Jenna

2024-06-08 23:00:12 UTC

My experience teaching gifted identified students is very little. Each year I taught I had an opportunity to co-teach and service our special education population. I am inspired daily by the teachers on our campus who differentiate and challenge all our students to reach their highest potential.

my child

sdhand1 — 2024-06-10 21:35:36 UTC

my daughter is in the gifted program at my school

only GEM

sdhand1 — 2024-06-10 21:36:05 UTC

i have taught for 3 years and it has only been the gem clusters

Unidentified

2025-07-07 16:40:04 UTC

My parents sent me to a small Catholic School in St. Louis City. The city public schools were very rough and they wanted us kids home alive each day. The nuns ran a tight ship. There was no room for original thought. Science and Social Studies were not taught until 6th grade. Teachers did the best they could with outdated materials and hour long religion lessons each day and Mass at least 3 times a week. My Family moved to the county bywhen it was time for me to start High Schoo. It waI had learned to mask andI was still not identified but excelled at industrial Arts!

I See Us

2025-07-07 16:50:40 UTC

As I read these manuals I see my grandfather, grandmother, mother, father, sister, and myself. All of unidentified. I see my sisters children who were eventually identified. I see my son who will possibly not be identified and that is OK he makes his own way.

My Kiddo

2025-07-07 16:53:39 UTC

Love my Kiddo with my whole heart. However I would not ever want to be his teacher. He has been counting down the years when he will be set free since 1st and possibly kinder. dI am hoping that Marana Vista Helps him see a bit of value in education. :)

2025-07-07 21:53:31 UTC

I qualified for my district's gifted program in 3rd grade and participated in weekly meet ups and a gifted club until 7th grade. I moved to a new school where they did not offer anything for gifted students and that was the same through high school.

Siblings

2025-07-07 21:55:24 UTC

My older brother and younger sister both qualified for GEM as well. I think my mom would have too if she was tested.

Emily

2025-07-07 21:55:55 UTC

I tested into GEM when I was in 2nd grade. My GEM classroom was the place I felt seen the most. I never really understood why I was considered gifted until much later in life.

2025-07-07 21:58:06 UTC

I am not a parent yet, but the thought of having kids identified as GEM actually makes me nervous. As a gifted learner, I put draining expectations on myself and was disappointed with my academic performance the older I got (even though I did very well!) School felt like a competition for me and I do nottt want my kids to feel that.

2025-07-07 22:00:51 UTC

I have had gifted students all three years of my teaching career and have loved it. I do see some of myself in them, which sometimes makes me nervous because I know the pressure they put on themselves. It also allows me to give them the support, reassurance, and challenge they need.

Emily

2025-07-07 22:13:23 UTC

My sister was a GEM kid and was in the GEM classes from elementary school through middle school.

Emily

2025-07-07 22:15:25 UTC

My kids have all been tested for GEM but none have qualified. That being said, one of my daughters very much shows many of the characteristics but has severe test anxiety and shuts down anytime she has to take a test. This puts her in. difficult place educationally. She is often bored at school because she is able to do things much faster than her peers.

Emily

2025-07-07 22:17:25 UTC

I am transitioning from high school gen ed to elementary GEM. As a high school teacher we had kids of all varying abilities in our classes, some with IEPs and some gifted, some with neither. I would say that most of my time spent with differentiating was put on my students with IEPs and 504s and far less with those who were identified as gifted.

Tina Giallanza

2025-07-10 21:41:23 UTC

I tested into GEM when I was in 2nd grade, where the school I attended had a pull-out program. In retrospect, I missed a significant amount in my grade level classes. Instruction was typically interest-based or PBL that was focused on either math or science.

Tina Giallanza

2025-07-10 21:44:27 UTC

I have had GEM cluster students in my class before, and enjoy integrating their ideas with the rest of the class. I want to focus this next year on providing more opportunities for all students to have extended learning. This includes focusing more time on pre-assessment planning and differentiating for all levels of learning.

Finding My Way

2025-07-11 04:33:15 UTC

This will be my third year working with GEM students, and while I’ve definitely learned a lot, I’m still figuring things out as I go. Every group is so different, and what works one year might not work the next. I’m always trying new strategies, adjusting along the way, and learning how to better support and challenge them. It’s a learning process, but I really enjoy it and want to keep getting better at it.