How to start a gifted program?

October 3, 2008 6:53 AM

How do I get a GOOD gifted/enrichment program started at my child's school?

My daughter goes to a brand new, private school that takes achievement very seriously. They have only been opened since August 2007 so some of the programs are not in place yet. I would like to help get the ball rolling on a (I hate to use the term but for lack of a better one) gifted program. I have read the previous threads and gotten some great info but I'd like to see if anyone has any specifics about ways to get a program going and make it successful. What are some great things about programs that you are familiar with? What worked and what didn't? Any resources (published or online) that you could recommend? Any other tips? Thanks in advance!

posted by pearlybob to education (6 comments total)

Though my brother and I went a public school, we went to a great public school that had a really good gifted program. One of the things that made it good was that the kids were allowed to go to competitions throughout the state and see how they fared against other gifted students.

So, what I'm asking is this: What state? A lot of programs and competitions are state or region specific.
posted by fujiko at 8:44 AM on October 3

Georgia. I'm already looking at the Odyssey of the Mind program as far as enrichment goes.
posted by pearlybob at 8:56 AM on October 3

(I hate to use the term but for lack of a better one) gifted program.

Like you, many people are uncomfortable with that term.
Although this is not in direct response to your question, it is relevant. How about "program for the academically talented".
posted by Neiltupper at 9:56 AM on October 3

(I hate to use the term but for lack of a better one)

It's called the "highly capable program" in my city. I've also heard it called the "high achieving program," but not officially.
posted by The corpse in the library at 10:01 AM on October 3

I think the better use of your energy is creating such a program at home.
posted by ewkpates at 10:05 AM on October 3

Mrs. adamwolf is finishing up her teaching licensure program, and she had the following to say:

She recommends a textbook called "Education of the Gifted and Talented" by Davis and Rimm. It has chapters on program planning and curriculum models and parenting a gifted child as well.
posted by adamwolf at 12:03 PM on October 3