National Standards in Gifted and Talented Education
Why does gifted education need standards? Standards provide a basis for policies, rules, and procedures essential for providing systematic programs and services to high-ability students. While standards may be addressed and implemented in a variety of ways, they provide important direction to designing and developing options for gifted learners at the local level.
Programs & Services
Pre-K to Grade 12 Gifted Education Programming Standards
The 2019 Pre-K-Grade 12 Gifted Education Programming Standards were developed with input from a variety of stakeholders and review of current research and best practices. The standards use student outcomes for goals, rather than teacher practices, keeping them aligned with general education standards. Grounded in theory, research, and practice paradigms, they provide an important foundation for gifted learners at all stages of development. Endorsed by the Council for Exceptional Children's The Association for the Gifted (CEC-TAG).
New to NAGC's gifted education programming standards? Be sure to review Applying the Pre-K-Grade 12 Gifted Education Programming Standards: Guiding Questions to ensure effective implementation.
General Educator Standards
Knowledge & Skill Standards in Gifted & Talented Education for All Teachers
It's critical that all teachers can recognize a high-ability student who may need more depth and complexity in instruction or be referred for further assessment and services. However, few general teacher preparation programs provide instruction on the needs of gifted and talented students and, as a result, the majority of teachers in classrooms today are not trained to meet the learning needs of these students.
NAGC developed standards for use in general educator preparation programs and for training all teachers already in the classroom. These knowledge and skill standards present the primary understanding of the issues, learning differences, and strategies that all teachers should possess. Read the Knowledge & Skill Standards for All Teachers.
Gifted Educator Standards
Initial Practice-Based Professional Preparation Standards for Gifted Educators
Released in 2024, the Initial Practice-Based Professional Preparation Standards for Gifted Educators is a revision and update to the 2012 Initial Gifted Educator Preparation Standards (the NAGC-CEC Teacher Preparation Standards in Gifted Education). Created in collaboration with CEC’s Special Interest Division, The Association for the Gifted (TAG), and the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), these comprehensive standards are designed to enhance the preparation and ongoing professional development of educators who work with students demonstrating gifts and talents and/or exceptionalities.
Learn more at exceptionalchildren.org/standards and download the Initial Practice-Based Professional Preparation Standards for Gifted Educators
Advanced: Advanced Standards in Gifted Education Teacher Training
After mastering initial standards for the preparation of teachers of the gifted, many educators in gifted education continue their professional growth toward mastery of advanced professional standards at the post-baccalaureate levels. For some, this means deepening their expertise and adding new responsibilities for classroom leadership. Other educators assume functions outside the classroom, moving into specializations, administering gifted education programs and services, or moving into teacher preparation and research roles.
These standards may be used to plan and implement advanced degree programs in gifted education; develop advanced competencies in school personnel; teach advanced courses in gifted education; share with leadership and administrators; and guide the hiring of gifted education coordinators.
Download the Advanced Standards in Gifted Education Teacher Training.
Faculty Standards
Standards for Faculty in Gifted Education Teacher Preparation Programs
Faculty in teacher preparation programs in gifted and talented education assume responsibility for the development of PreK-12 teachers who are well-prepared in recognizing and responding to the needs of gifted, talented, and high-potential students. Read the Standards for Faculty in Gifted Education Teacher Preparation Programs.