Special Education
Gifted Education - A Resource Guide for Teachers
Appendix 1: Programming Options
The educational needs of gifted and talented students will vary both in the intensity of the needs and the kinds of programs that will support development. The needs of most students can be met through enrichment programs, grouping practices and challenging activities. There are, however, some students who will need a more radical program of intervention. The more a student's performance deviates from the norm, the more extreme the intervention. Treffinger and Sortore (1992 pp. 59-62) provide the following illustrative levels of programming which move from services that benefit all students to services that may be required by only a few students.
LEVEL 1: Services for ALL Students
- Creative and critical thinking
- Higher levels of Bloom's Taxanomy
- Independent projects
- Accommodation of student learning styles
- Exploratory activities -- speakers and field trips
- Individualized progress in basic skill areas
- Exposure to new topics -- foreign languages and fine arts programs
- Activities based on students interests
LEVEL 2: Services for MANY Students
- Great Books
- Odyssey of the Mind
- Future Problem Solving
- Young authors conference
- Readers' theatre
- Young Inventors
- Computer lab
- Science fairs
- Math competitions
- Performing and visual arts
- Clubs and academic interest groups
- Curriculum compacting
- After school and/or summer enrichment courses
LEVEL 3: Services for SOME Students
- In-depth follow-up with guest speakers
- Individual music, drama or art lessons
- Cluster groupings to provide advanced instruction in content areas
- Community Problem Solving
- Opportunities to assist local businesses
- Individual or small group research projects on advanced themes or topics
- Participation in special classes in content or process areas
- Peer teaching opportunities
- Instruction by tutors/older students
- Participation in special programs sponsored by colleges and universities
LEVEL 4: Services for a FEW Students
- Dual or part-time participation in higher level courses
- Grade level acceleration or multiple grade advancement
- Extended work with mentors
- Presentation of student work/projects to outside audiences or community groups
- Publication of student products in school or community sources -- or in regular adult outlets
