This is a resource for education professionals and all those involved or interested in the education of able, gifted and talented learners.
This is a premier gifted conference held each summer on the campus of Boise State University. The week-long conference is smaller in attendence, but has boasted some of the same keynotes and session presenters as the ASCD and NAGC conferences. It provides amazing opportunities for teachers in the west to work with some of the professionals of the field of gifted education. There is also a Parent Day, Kidfest, and an Administrator/Counselor Day.
Earthwatch Institute offers educators fully-funded fellowships for hands-on learning with leading scientists doing field research and conservation on 130 projects around the world. The maximum award offered is a fully-funded fellowship. Eligibility: Elementary, middle, and high school educators and administrators of any discipline. Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis.
Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program aims to increase mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States and other countries, through the exchange of persons, knowledge and skills. Sponsored by the United States Department of State, Fulbright provides funds for students, scholars and professionals to undertake graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and teaching in elementary and secondary schools.
The ING Unsung Heroes awards program recognizes innovative and progressive thinking in education. The maximum award is $25,000. To be eligible, applicants must be a full-time educator, teacher, principal, paraprofessional, or classified staff member with projects that improve student learning at K-12 public or private schools.
The Institute for Learning Technologies seeks to help advance Americans by exerting educational leadership through innovative projects, seminal research, and enlightened counsel. It aims to nurture, in a sustained manner, the humane application of information technologies, expanding educational opportunity and achievement for all.
This program from the Department of Education provides financial aid to graduate students. It is available to applicants who show superior academic ability, achievement, and financial need, and those undertaking graduate study that will lead to a doctoral degree or a master's degree in which the master's degree is the terminal highest degree in the selected field of study.
The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), an organization of parents and educators, addresses the needs of children from all cultures, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and socioeconomic groups with demonstrated gifts and talents as well as those children who may be able to develop their talent potential with appropriate educational experiences. NAGC supports and engages in research and development, staff development, advocacy, communication, and collaboration with other organizations and agencies who strive to improve the quality of education for all students.
National Network for Child Care (NNCC) unites the expertise of many of the nation's leading universities through the outreach system of Cooperative Extension. The goal is to share knowledge about children and childcare from the vast resources of the landgrant universities with parents, professionals, practitioners, and the general public. They network with committed individuals around the country to bring you practical information and resources that will be useful to you in your everyday work with children. The website contains over 1000 publications and resources related to childcare and much, much more.
Beginning in 1982 and funded for many years by the National Science Foundation, this directory is the only comprehensive catalog of science, mathematics, and engineering enrichment programs for students and teachers. In 1998, Intel provided funding to update and improve this resource. The training programs listed cover a wide variety of scientific disciplines that take place throughout the year at a variety of institutions—predominately at colleges and universities.
Students and Teachers As Research Scientists (STARS) is a program, funded through the National Science Foundation, that introduces both rising high school juniors and seniors and their teachers to the various aspects of the scientific enterprise as practiced by successful scientists in academic, private and governmental research institutions.
Teaching gifted students provides classroom teachers the strategies and techniques they can use to meet the academic and emotional needs of the gifted and talented. Course content includes practical approaches for challenging the most able students in the regular classroom, pull-out, or full-time classes for gifted students. A course emphasis is upon ways of knowing (epistemology) unique to gifted students, and an appropriate pedagogy to specifically enhance each student's giftedness.
"The U.S. Department of Education has brought together some of the nation's most effective teachers and education experts to share with their colleagues research-based practices and proven methods of using data to inform instruction."
The Education Coalition (TEC) is a not-for-profit educational organization, created in 1993 to serve the needs of the business and education communities. It is comprised of diverse agencies from across the nation working together to promote systemic educational reform through the use of multiple technologies.
One of the top gifted education and talent development centers in the nation, the Belin-Blank Center has established itself as a worldwide leader in research, training and gifted resources. Gifted students are the focus – this organization concentrates on identification, specialized opportunities (such as talent searches and summer programs) and much more. With a recent focus on international education, useful policy information and more is available for those interested, all over the globe. There are also a number of resources available for parents and teachers.
The Center for Gifted Studies and Talent Development, founded by Dr. Tracy L. Cross, is an organization that prepares educators to meet the academic needs of gifted students both in and outside of the regular classroom. The Center offers courses both on campus in the summer and statewide through the academic year over the Indiana Higher Education Telecommunication System (IHETS) for teachers interested in obtaining the Endorsement in Gifted and Talented Education, and by offering special workshops for educators.
The Northwest Educational Technology Consortium (ETC) focuses on supporting the learning needs of all students with the tools and resources of technology. The consortium will continue to explore the value of the Internet, e.g., web resources and tools for curriculum development and student learning, as well as technology solutions for data management and distance learning opportunities for professional development.
The Wisconsin Center for Gifted Learners develops and provides programs and guidance for gifted learners, their families, and teachers to support the social/cognitive and educational development of children who love to learn and whose exceptional intellectual abilities require special services.
"This document delineates both requisite and exemplary standards for gifted education programming, and depicts pre-collegiate gifted programming standards for gifted education, representing a range of minimal, or requisite, and exemplary, or visionary, levels of performance. These standards may serve as benchmarks for measuring programming effectiveness; criteria for program evaluation; guidelines for program development; and recommendations for minimal requirements for high-quality gifted education programming."
Celebrate the lives of twenty two educational entrepreneurs who have made a difference. Learn how these men and women have turned their dreams into significant benefits for children. Share in their passion for education and learning. Follow them as they take ordinary educational concepts and make them extraordinary. Use these successful case histories to build your own success.
Written by Jim Delisle and Barbara Lewis, The Survival Guide for Teachers of Gifted Kids, uses the experience of gifted educators to give teachers insight on working with gifted students.
The book discusses: identifying and evaluating gifted students, various plans and programs that can be used to teach the gifted, and techniques to develop network support in schools that often suffer from under funding.
The Thomas B. Fordham Institute released a report titled “High Achieving Students in the Era of NCLB” highlighting that the needs of America’s brightest students are not being met.
Developed by the Belin-Blank Center, this information packet is designed for professionals working in the field of gifted education. It covers the relationship between giftedness and autism, as well as other twice-exceptional issues.
Published by Open Space Communications, this publication is focused on helping the gifted and allowing them to reach their full potential. Subscribers can access both printed issues and online journals, as well as free back issues.
Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio offers a Master's of Education in Talent Development as well as M.Eds. and license programs in other specialties. Ashland University's Graduate Studies in Education was established in response to the needs expressed by teachers and administrators of the area.
The BYU-Public School Partnership's Gifted and Talented Committee has developed a licensure program for teachers who want to teach Gifted and Talented classes in Utah. The program requires students to complete 16 semester hours of study and practica.
The program consists of one day, three hour, Saturday or Sunday workshops throughout the Fall and Spring semesters for academically talented elementary students, primarily courses in science and mathematics, but also creative writing, computer, poetry, marketing, and literature. Child may attend up to four courses a semester. They also have Parent Information Sessions.
The Center for Gifted Education and Teacher Enrichment at Whitworth College is located in Spokane, Washington. The Center was established to offer graduate courses and to provide in-service, consultant aid and other practical resources. Explore our website and see what we have to offer -- from a Master of Arts in Teaching degree with an Emphasis in Gifted and Talented, to a full complement of classes for teachers of the gifted, to helpful information for parents and students.
The Center for Rural Gifted Education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania is designed to support schools, families, and communities in rural areas in their education and guidance of high achieving/talented/gifted students. The goals of the Center include to:
Serve as an information and referral service
Offer and facilitate educator training
Offer programs that increase parent understanding of the needs and strengths of gifted children and youth
Provide easy access to relevant educational materials for parents and educators
Edinboro University of Pennysylvania is currently offering on-line summer courses on gifted education. They offer Psychology of the Gifted Child (3 sem. hrs), Field Experience with Exceptionalities (3-6 sem. hrs), and Educational Strategies For Gifted Children (3 sem. hrs). Check out their website for additional information.
This distance learning program through the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Georgia offers Gifted, Creative, Talented Training on the Web. GCTWeb is an endorsement program via WebCT on-line delivery. GCTWeb is intended for individuals who already have a teaching certificate in some area and want to add Gifted In-Field Endorsement.
Georgetown College's Endorsement Program in Gifted and Talented is designed to provide teachers with the knowledge and skills to work with gifted and talented students in P-12 classrooms, as well as to provide professional leadership in schools and school systems in effective and differentiated instruction for gifted and talented learners.
This organization seeks to further the development of gifted and talented youth through a variety of methods including research, public education and teacher training programs, and scholarships for low income and minority gifted youth. GERI is involved at the state and national level, helping to guide state and national policy on gifted youth and families, and also works with foundations and corporations to develop targeted, cost-effective programs for the gifted.
High Point University (HPU) trains teachers for the add-on license in Academically/Intellectual Gifted (AIG). The courses leading to licensure in gifted education are extremely beneficial to any educator who seeks to learn more about the nature of accelerated learners and the methodologies most appropriate for maximizing their potential.
This organization focuses on creating activities for exceptionally gifted and talented children, teachers and parents. The Hunter College Center for Gifted Studies and Education offers a 12-credit graduate program for teachers pursuing the New York State Gifted Certificate Extension. This is necessary for teachers in New York who wish to teach gifted programming.
The School of Education at Indiana University in Bloomington offers a unique, integrated, 15-hour gifted and talented academic and art license program for K-12 teachers, administrators, graduate students, and counselors. Five courses are required during two summers and are applicable for an Indiana License in Gifted and Talented Education. Courses may be taken without enrollment in the license program.
The School of Education at IUS offers Master of Science degrees in Education with majors in Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Counseling. They also offer a substantial number of graduate-level courses applicable to license renewal, master's plus programs, or certification programs.
Muskingum College offers a Masters In Education degree called Intervention Specialist: Gifted and Talented. This program specializes in ages 5-21, (47-49 credit hours). It is a licensure program designed for individuals with a valid elementary certificate or an early or middle childhood license. Check out their website for additional information.
Northeastern Illinois University offers a Master of Arts in Gifted Education from the Department of Special Education. The program can be useful for teachers, program coordinators, counselors and more. Students have the option of taking evening or summer courses.
The mission of this program is to further the education of gifted students and provide a variety of services to youth, parents and teachers. A biannual newsletter is published, which lists all events sponsored by the center. Frances A. Karnes was the recipent of the David W. Belin Advocy Award presented by the National Association for Gifted Children in 2002.
The College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services, offers a Gifted Endorsement Program for certified teachers. It is a successful online program.
Through their Professional Development for Educators Department, UMW offers an edorsement in gifted and talented education through their "Graduate Certificate in Gifted Education" program. The certificate requires 12-18 credits of graduate coursework.
University of North Texas College of Education, Gifted Education offers online graduate courses and programs in gifted education. These courses lead to a Texas certification, a UNT certification, or a master's degree in gifted education.
"The Special Education Program requires 39 credit hours of coursework. Besides fulfilling course requirements, each student must complete a professional portfolio in order to graduate. The purpose of the portfolio is to provide an opportunity for students to reflect upon the knowledge and skills they have acquired in the Special Education Program."
Wilmington College is a small, private college in Delaware. Many of the students are adults who are seeking to improve their competitiveness in the job market or are preparing for a career change.
The school recently adopted a Master of Education program in Instruction with a focus on Gifted and Talented learners. Completion of the four Gifted and Talented Education Courses will allow an educator to be certified by the State of Delaware as a Teacher of Gifted and Talented Students.
Individuals who are interested in obtaining the new supplementary certificate in Gifted and Talented Education will need to pass the TExES in Gifted and Talented. Program faculty can provide course recommendations based upon individuals' prior coursework, teaching experience, and training.
Kent State offers a gifted education program designed to provide students with coursework and field experiences necessary to be licensed as a Gifted Education Intervention Specialist.
Johnson State College, located in Johnson, VT, offers a Master of Arts in Gifted Education. Strategies for accommodating special learning in a classroom setting is the main thrust of the program. It is affiliated with the National Research Center for Gifted Education in Connecticut and meets the standards for professional development set by the National Association for Gifted Children.
Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, offers distance learning for programs in Gifted Education include Master of Education, Education Specialist, and Doctorate of Education. Course work for the Masters programs are offered in multiple delivery formats, including on-campus and off-campus options. Each of the programs require a minimum number of hours in the residential formats.
The College of Education at Minnesota State University in Mankato, Minnesota offers several options at the graduate level for professionals seeking to further their education. They include Educational Specialist, Master of Science and certificate programs in Gifted Education as well as a Master of Science program in Teaching and Learning for Optimal Talent Development.
The Academy for Teachers of the Gifted at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) provides educational experiences for specific target populations of teachers of gifted students in Tennessee schools (K-12).
The Center for Gifted Education at the College of William and Mary is a learning community that values and fosters the talent development process of individuals.
"This program option will ensure educators preparedness to provide accelerated academic opportunities for students with advance educational needs. The program will meet NCATE's requirements for professional gifted educators and leads to endorsement in gifted education, a Florida Teaching Certificate. In addition to the core requirements, students will complete a variety of courses."
This program offers a 36-hour master's degree that features an individualized practicum in the student's district, a flexible program schedule, and a portfolio in lieu of comprehensive examinations. To help facilitate teachers' lifelong learning, courses in the Gifted Education program are offered exclusivley through the Internet. People living in Acedemic Common Market States may qualify for in-state-tuition.
The University of St. Thomas offers a Master of Arts degree in Gifted, Creative and Talented Education. Taught by nationally-renowned instructors, teachers are provided the opportunity to learn instructional design, curriculum development and appropriate teaching strategies related to gifted education. Graduates of the program become trained leaders.
Established in 2003, the mission of the Institute for Teachers of Gifted Youth is to assist teachers and school specialists in serving the unique needs of high-ability students in the context of the regular school classroom.
Confratute is a summer program with one- and two-week options consisting of over 80 intensive mini courses taught by educational leaders. These courses are aimed at training educators on topics related to gifted education and talent development.
Carleton College offers several summer programs for high school students and teachers. They offer:
Summer Writing Program
Summer Teaching Institute
Carleton Liberal Arts Experience
Classroom Connect is an award-winning provider of professional development programs and online instructional materials for K-12 education. They are devoted to helping teachers become better teachers by engaging them in their own learning and inspiring positive change in the classroom.
This vendor provides curriculum guides and staff development for English/Language Arts teachers.
Math Solutions offers a wide range of professional development services for elementary school teachers, with the belief that it is essential to provide resources and programs that support long-lasting improvement in math instruction. They offer books, videotapes, in-service courses, an online newsletter and distance coaching in order to support the professional development of all educators.
Stenhouse Publishing offers a wide variety of curriculum books. According to the website they offer: Professional Materials by Teachers for Teachers.
Veritas Press offers an online catalog filled with teaching materials for secular teaching. Their catalog provides "Christian educators in the home and school setting with quality tools for a quality education."
This online database of professional development opportunities provides a wealth of information on conferences and workshops for K-12 educators and teachers. It is a free service for the education community.
Intel offers free professional development to K-12 educators, focused on enhancing education with technology and student-centered learning approaches. Gather ideas from a collection of exemplary Unit Plans and design your own technology-rich teaching plan. Develop strategies for student-centered assessment and create your own from an Assessment library. See how an interdisciplinary project uses roller coaster design to engage students in math, science, and language arts.
This website is an electronic guide to information on adolescent issues. It is a service of the Center for Adolescent Studies at Indiana University. Educators, counselors, parents, researchers, health practitioners, and teens can use ADOL to find Web resources.
This online curriculum resource offers teachers and homeschoolers a variety of subjects. Annenberg/CPB uses media and telecommunications to advance excellent teaching in American schools. This mandate is carried out chiefly by the funding and broad distribution of educational video programs with coordinated Web and print materials for the professional development of K-12 teachers. The courses are presented in high quality video format with animations, when appropriate, much like Nova or National Geographic but at the college level. They are complete courses that include videos, textbooks, student manuals and practice tests. Video is available through satelite connection or broadband Internet connection.
This website provides professional expertise to the 17,000 public school districts in the United States to train classroom teachers to use targeted instructional strategies to meet the unique learning needs of students and state standards.
At the Mid-Continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL), we believe that meeting the needs of America's educators and their students is paramount. Our staff of highly respected educators and researchers focuses on providing the highest quality, field-tested, research-based products and services available in PreK-16 education today.
"Participants will examine and apply curriculum models and instructional strategies currently advocated for use with gifted learners. Course participants will examine the theoretical and practical implications of the models and strategies, and learn how to develop learning environments that promote academic challenge and learner independence."
This article link is an excerpt from Tools for Teaching by Barbara Gross Davis from the University of California, Berkeley. The article outlines some general strategies, then offers more detailed and specific suggestions, including how to structure courses and incorporating instructional behaviors among others. These tips are contructed to be relevant to the GT population.
Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory improves educational results for children, youth, and adults by providing research and development assistance in delivering equitable, high-quality educational programs.
This online curriculum resource offers professionals the opportunity to improve their skills. Through a variety of professional development programs and resources, educators can learn how to effectively use Library of Congress resources in the classroom. Programs include teleconferencing workshops, online and downloadable materials, live workshops and a fellowship program.
This online professional development curriculum was created and is used by the Library of Congress. These lessons are available online for use in local professional development activities. Topics covered include Classroom Applications; Search Skills; Technology; and Working with Primary Sources.
The Educator's Reference Desk provides access to the following resources:
- Resource Collection - Links to more than 3,000 resources on a variety of educational issues. This collection includes Internet sites, educational organizations, and electronic discussion groups.
- Lesson Plans - The Lesson Plan Collection contains more than 2,000 unique lesson plans written and submitted by teachers from all over the United States.
- Question Archive - A collection of more than 200 responses to popular questions on the practice, theory, and research of education. These responses may include citations from the ERIC database, Internet sites, discussion groups, and/or print resource information.
- ERIC Database - ERIC database, the world's largest source of education information, contains more than one million abstracts of documents and journal articles on education research and practice. This web-based version of the ERIC Database, provides access to abstracts which are also found in print, Resources in Education and Current Index To Journals in Education. The database is updated monthly, ensuring that the information you receive is timely and accurate.