This guidebook provides a rationale and guidelines for implementing a student-driven learning approach using enrichment clusters. Enrichment clusters allow students who share a common interest to meet each week to produce a product, performance, or targeted service based on that common interest. Chapter 1 discusses different models of learning.…

Educators are encouraged to build advocacy for gifted education through the program itself by demonstrating the high quality products of participating students, and through continued commitment to public relations. Factors common to programs that have survived the economic downturn in New England are identified, including sustained advocacy…

In today's high-pressure atmosphere to "get the scores up," teachers and students find themselves faced with more and more highly-structured, prescripted lessons that allow for little creativity and exploration. However, both students and teachers deserve a balanced education that includes exciting opportunities to delve into areas of strong…

This article describes the Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM) and examines the relationship between gifted programs and total school improvement using the SEM. Goals of SEM include a school SEM specialist, a strong research base, a broadened conception of human potential, and educational experiences grounded in a high-end theory of learning.…

This article reviews research regarding gifted students with disabilities who underachieve. Educators are urged to determine whether underachievement stems from more serious physical, cognitive, or emotional issues, a mismatch between the student and environment, or a personal characteristic, and develop intervention strategies specifically…

When regular class teachers and school staff realize that a gifted program can be of service to them, the program has the best chance for success. Among ways to create that ownership are involving staff in program planning and inservice, using their talents, and involving parents and community members. (CL)

The article reviews definitions of giftedness and gifted readers and reviews research on reading for the gifted. Also discussed are strategies and innovative practices that are effective with gifted readers, including interest assessment, learning styles evaluation, curriculum compacting, and the three types of enrichment in the Enrichment Triad…

The responsibilities of a gifted education program coordinator are many and varied. Guidelines are provided for many questions that new coordinators should ask when evaluating the existing gifted education program, developing the program, selecting new teachers, specifying the coordinator's role in both teaching and administration, and making a…

A rationale for teaching thinking skills to gifted students is presented, and a five-step approach is offered, including create a skills taxonomy, develop a scope and sequence chart, provide staff development time, develop unit plans, and teach and evaluate the lessons. (JDD)