Introduction to Gifted Education is the definitive textbook designed for courses that introduce teachers to gifted education, whether that is in graduate school or in certification or continuing development programs for teachers. The book is inclusive in nature, addressing varied approaches to each topic while relying on no single theory or construct. The book includes chapters that focus on critical topics such as gifted education standards, social-emotional needs, cognitive development, diverse learners, identification, programming options, creativity, professional development, and curriculum. The book provides a comprehensive look at each topic, including an overview of big ideas, its history, and a thorough discussion to help those new to the field gain a better understanding of gifted students and strategies to address their needs. A rich companion piece supports the text, providing practical strategies and activities for the instructor (designed for both online classes and face-to-face classes). Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented 2018 Legacy Book Award Winner—Scholar
Updated edition of a popular resource helps teachers seamlessly integrate differentiation practices into their daily routine. In this updated edition of her guide to daily differentiated instruction, Diane Heacox outlines the critical elements for success in today’s classrooms. She gives educators evidence-based differentiation strategies and user-friendly tools to optimize teaching, learning, and assessment for all students. New features include an expanded section on grading, information on connections between personalized learning and differentiation, integration of strategies with tier one instructional interventions, scaffolding strategies, revised planning templates, and updated resources, which include digital tools and apps for assessment. Digital content includes customizable forms from the book. A free downloadable PLC/Book Study Guide is available at freespirit.com/PLC.
This updated edition of Strategies for Differentiating Instruction offers practical approaches that allow all students to make continuous progress and be appropriately challenged by focusing on their various levels of knowledge and readiness to learn. Written in an accessible, teacher-friendly style, chapters explore methods to tier learning experiences so that all students’ unique learning needs are met. The new edition updates the strategies complete with student examples and provides Developing and Assessing Products (DAP) tools for a variety of products as reproducible appendices. Full of research-supported examples and designed specifically for teachers who are new to differentiated instruction, this book offers vetted, practical advice for preassessing students, implementing differentiation strategies, and managing and assessing student learning. This new edition is a must read for teachers seeking to master the essentials on how to differentiate instruction and address all students' needs, interests, and abilities.
Definitive resource for implementing, sustaining, and evaluating schoolwide cluster grouping, fully revised and expanded. In today’s standards-driven era, how can teachers motivate and challenge gifted students and ensure that all students reach their potential? This book provides a compelling answer: the Schoolwide Cluster Grouping Model. The authors explain how the model differs from grouping practices of the past, and they present a roadmap for implementing, sustaining, and evaluating schoolwide cluster grouping. Readers will find a wealth of teacher-tested classroom strategies along with detailed information on identifying gifted students for clusters, gaining support from parents, and providing ongoing professional development to teachers and other staff. The new edition: offers identification and placement guidance for a wide variety of student ages and populations directs special attention toward empowering gifted English language learners shows teachers how to use the Depth of Knowledge framework to differentiate learning tasks offers new ideas for integrating technology into both professional development and student learning The Cluster Grouping Handbook offers a guide for schools to create a workable, defensible gifted program; to simplify teachers’ jobs; and to maximize learning for all students. Digital content includes customizable forms from the book and a PDF presentation; a free PLC/Book Study Guide is also available.
The combination of sustained hard work and resiliency, grit is the difference between those who give up and those who don't. Grit in the Classroom: Building Perseverance for Excellence in Today's Students assists educators in creating a learning environment that fosters grit development for all students, regardless of ability. Each chapter includes stories to illustrate the research and ideas presented and ends with discussion questions that can be used to continue the conversation. In an era of talent development and the pursuit of excellence, learners must be equipped with the perseverance that is essential to reaching high levels of success. This book provides a rationale for cultivating grit in the classroom with the goal of propelling this topic into discussions of building passion and talent in today's students.
Gifted students spend most of their time in the regular classroom, yet few general education teachers have the specialized training to address their unique needs. This book provides the structures, processes, and resources needed to facilitate GT (Gifted/Talented) coaching as a means of building capacity among classroom teachers to identify, serve, and teach gifted and high-potential learners. Guided by best practices and research in professional learning, this resource provides the steps, strategies, and tools needed to create and sustain effective coaching practices designed to maximize access to advanced learning and differentiation throughout a school. Bolstered by downloadable resources, chapters address how to support, stretch, and sustain teachers’ instructional practices through a sequence of co-thinking, co-planning, and reflection that emphasizes ongoing and sustainable professional learning. Outlining a step-by-step guide for the coaching process, this valuable resource equips gifted and talented coaches with tools to support teachers to meet the needs and reveal talent among gifted and high-potential students through differentiation in the regular education classroom.
These proven, practical early childhood teaching strategies and techniques help teachers identify young gifted children, differentiate and extend the curriculum, assess and document students’ development, and build partnerships with parents. Individual chapters focus on early identification, curriculum compacting, social studies, language arts, math and science, cluster grouping, social-emotional development, and finding and supporting giftedness in diverse populations. The text includes current information on brain research and learning; rigor and complexity; and integrating creativity, the arts, and higher-level thinking in accordance with learning goals. Scenarios and vignettes take readers into teachers’ classrooms. The book includes extensive references and resources to explore. Digital content includes customizable forms from the book.
Empowered Leaders provides educators with a practical guide for incorporating critical social justice themes into enrichment programming for gifted students in grades 6-8. Featuring options for differentiation, digital learning, and talent development, each chapter offers detailed lesson plans and activities based around grade level themes that build as the students progress through middle school. Accessible and reader-friendly, lessons are student-centered and designed to foster globally conscious thought, empathetic discourse, and sustainable problem-solving skills. Ideal for individual, co-teaching, or small group programs, this helpful resource equips teachers with the tools to incorporate social justice into any subject or classroom. National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Curriculum Network Annual Curriculum Award 2020