How we can help & hinder our students

The justification for gifted education is simple: Academically advanced children should be given work at their speed and level, both to nurture their talents and prevent them from becoming bored and disruptive in class.

Do you ever think – does the school I work in or my child’s school help or hinder gifted or high potential learners?

More Australian schools need to be catering for our gifted and high potential learners in better ways than they currently are.

So what works? Who do we need to be listening to? What do we need to change?

There are four factors to consider when thinking about a school and how they support our gifted learners.

Slow growth – it is often found in many schools that students who score highly in NAPLAN (albeit controversial testing) often do not show growth because there is a ceiling or they have become bored with school (disengage). How can we ensure that high achievers continue to achieve? We can use the data we have, we can extend & challenge in the classroom with like minds, regularly, accelerate and take focus off rote learning for tests - these students need more. .

Identification – are we using the appropriate identification tools for the students in our schools? Do you consider if you have students from a non-English speaking background? Indigenous background? Born overseas? Refugee? Each school needs to consider how they use standardised testing BUT they also need to consider how well teachers are equipped to create high quality pre assessments to gather data as well as good observation skills so they can pick up underachievers and 2e students (Twice exceptional). If a school is given a psychometic assessment, engage with the parents & the psychologist to ensure you have the full picture and can support the child in the best way.

Advanced curriculum – How well do we cater for gifted students in the classroom? Do we extend or enrich their learning? Teachers need to consider if they just need to be stretched sideways (problem solving, critical thinking within the current grade outcomes) or advanced to harder content (acceleration through stages). Many Gifted students will benefit from a combination of both but many do not receive this in the mainstream classroom. Teachers do need support for this to happen whether it be an extra teacher in the room or Professional learning - without it, these great ideas can fail..

Tailor to students interests – It is really important that with Gifted students – and with other students also, that we tailor to their interests as much as possible. Think about how a lesson can be taught that catches students attention so not only are they excited about learning, they can use the great skills they have to build on skills in other areas. A students who is talented in mathematics can be extended in other ways – not always just in mathematics. They have the reasoning skills and the problem solving skills that may help them to solve environmental issues, humanitarian crisis or just something as simple as an issue in how the school timetable flows.

I would love to hear your thoughts & questions on gifted education, teacher education and of course ways to ensure school encourages creativity, critical thinking and of course fun!

I can cater for individual teachers, whole school staff and also provide support for parents. Get in touch: vanessaryanrendall@gmail.com