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 Curriculum and Instruction
Gifted education services must include curricular and instructional opportunities directed to the specific needs of gifted learners. According to NAGC President Joyce VanTassel-Baska (1998), "no area of emphasis within gifted education better captures its core concepts than does the area of curriculum" (p. 339). Indeed the development and implementation of rigorous curriculum that addresses and respects the diversity of gifted learners is a challenging endeavor, even in the most supportive environments.
Therefore, the critical role of curriculum in shaping the talent development process must be understood and supported by practitioners so that the school environment is responsive to student needs. According to Maker (1982), the appropriate school curriculum for gifted children should be "qualitatively different" from the curriculum designed for the general school population.
"With any curriculum development planning, the first thing to do is to look at who the children are...If you keep your learners and your program goals firmly in mind, you will be able to achieve an appropriate curriculum for them."
- Director of the University School
University of Tulsa, Oklahoma
Explore the Five Guiding Principles of Curriculum and Instruction
1. Differentiated curriculum for the gifted learner must span grades pre-K--12.
2. Regular classroom curricula and instruction must be adapted, modified, or replaced to meet the unique needs of gifted learners.
3. Instructional pace must be flexible to allow for the accelerated learning of gifted learners as appropriate.
4. Educational opportunities for subject and grade skipping must be provided to gifted learners.
5. Learning opportunities for gifted learners must consist of a continuum of differentiated curricular options, instructional approaches, and resource materials.
Applying the Curriculum and Instruction Standards
Guiding Questions
These questions are designed to help you reflect upon effective curriculum and instruction as you explore the five guiding principles within the Pre-K--Grade 12 Gifted Program Standards.
One District's Story
Find out about how the curriculum and instruction standards translate into high quality gifted programming in the Gifted Education and Academy Programs in Virginia Beach, VA.
Advice from the Field
So, what can you learn about curriculum and instruction 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
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