You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality
-Walt Disney
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There are many resources available that provide educators the tools needed to plan, design, implement, and evaluate gifted education programs -- all key elements of successful gifted education services. Qualified personnel working with gifted learners also, are essential to high-quality services. District leaders must plan for professional development and educational opportunities, communicating a clear purpose and common goal that is endorsed by curriculum coordinators, classroom teachers, gifted resource specialists, counselors, and other district staff. This support is essential to the success of programs and services for high-ability learners.
Designing Services & Programs for High-Ability Learners: A Guidebook for Gifted Education, published in 2006, is described as THE comprehensive guide to establishing or strengthening a gifted education program! This volume is an invaluable resource for your library, as it addresses key features of gifted programming, from design to student identification, curriculum design to counseling, and evaluation to budgeting.
The links below will guide you through the process of establishing and designing a program for high-ability learners. The links to the left direct you to specific web pages related to the topic area listed. There you will find guiding principles, suggestions for applying the NAGC Pre-K--Grade 12 Gifted Program Standards, key questions, and stories and advice from the field. The links to the right, Related Resources, provide you with a small sampling of books, professional papers, and conference recordings should you choose to explore the topic further.
Program Design Related Resources
The development of appropriate gifted education programming requires comprehensive services based on sound philosophical, theoretical, and empirical support.
Student Identification Related Resources
Gifted learners' abilities must be assessed to determine appropriate educational services.
Curriculum and Instruction Related Resources
Gifted education services must include curricular and instructional opportunities directed to the unique needs of the gifted child.
Socio-Emotional Guidance and Counseling Related Resources
Gifted education programming must establish a plan to recognize and nurture the unique socio-emotional development of gifted learners.
Professional Development Related Resources
Gifted learners are entitled to be served by professionals who have specialized preparation in gifted education, expertise in appropriate differentiated content and instructional methods, involvement in ongoing professional development, and who possess exemplary personal and professional traits.
Program Evaluation Related Resources
Program evaluation is the systematic study of the value and impact of services provided.
Program Administration and Management
Appropriate gifted education programming must include the establishment of a systematic means of developing, implementing, and managing services with an emphasis on: