Program Design Standards Intro

 Program Design

The development of appropriate gifted education programming requires comprehensive services based on sound philosophical, theoretical, and empirical support. Barriers to achieving this can be as concrete as a lack of funding or qualified teachers and as abstract as skewed perceptions of giftedness or resistance to change. Gifted learners are a diverse group and providing services to suit their needs is never simple.

"Program design should always keep the best interest of the child in the forefront of its efforts. The goal is not to 'reward' someone for being smart or having extraordinary talent, but rather to address those educational and affective needs that exist because the child is gifted."

- Gifted Education Specialist                  
Nashua Public Schools, New Hampshire

Explore the Six Guiding Principles of Program Design

1. Rather than any single gifted program, a continuum of programming services must exist for gifted learners.
   
   
2. Gifted education must be adequately funded.
   
   
3. Gifted education must evolve from a comprehensive and sound base.
   
   
4. Gifted education programming services must be an integral part of the general education school day.
   
   
5. Flexible groupings of students must be developed in order to facilitate differentiated instruction and curriculum.
   
   
6. Policies specific to adapting and adding to the nature and operations of the general education program are necessary for gifted education.

Applying the Program Design Standards

Guiding Questions

These questions are designed to help you reflect upon effective program design practices as you explore the six guiding principles within the Pre-K--Grade 12 Gifted Program Standards.

One District's Story

Find out about how the program design standards translate into high quality gifted programming in the Reach Program in Nashua, NH.

Advice from the Field

So, what can you learn about program design from successful gifted programming? Read advice from our experts who have rolled up their sleeves and made it work for gifted kids in their districts.

Print your own copy of The NAGC Pre-K -- Grade 12 Gifted Program Standards Brochure (pdf)
 

Return to Designing a Gifted Program                           Related Resources