Spotlight on Giftedness – November 2011
A collection of news articles regarding gifted children and education for November 2011.
In November, many of the articles discussed the National Association for Gifted Children‘s State of the States in Gifted Education report. This report provides information on which states have laws regarding identification and education of gifted students.
Education Week had a few articles on gifted education, including this month’s top selection, What Gifted Students Need From You. (Free registration required to read article.)
Today, the National Association of Gifted Children estimates that nearly three million American students are gifted and talented. Teaching these students can be rewarding: They often learn new skills quickly, absorb oodles of information, take on leadership roles, and eagerly employ higher-order thinking skills. But to truly meet the needs of gifted students—especially those who, like Mark Zuckerberg and Lady Gaga, may have an independent streak—can be challenging. Here are some practical tips to help you get started:
- Find out what “gifted” means in your district or state.
- Help identify students who qualify for “gifted and talented programs”—and those who do not but might need individualized supports.
- Use data to differentiate instruction and create appropriate challenges.
- Focus on learning—not on grades.
- Support your students’ social and emotional learning.
There are more tips and their explanations in the article.
Many more great articles are provided in the links below! 
Is giftedness always a gift?
Irish parents struggle with the schools not meeting the needs of their children
Spotlight on Gifted Education
A collection of Education Week’s articles on gifted education for the past few years. ($4.95. Free to Ed Week subscribers.)
Special Education
Israel uses boarding schools to help meet the needs of their gifted students
Gainesville schools look to expand methods of gifted instruction
Georgia schools look to continue leadership in gifted education through seeking best programs
Public schools are failing the most gifted students
Little training, no funding, and pressure to educate lagging students means little focus on advanced students
The Trouble With Bright Kids
People who believe they succeed because of their intelligence instead of hard work give up quicker.
Fast forward: gifted students keep on giving with the right support
Contrary to popular thought, acceleration provides social benefits too
How Grade Skipping Changed Everything
A parent’s perspective on her daughters skipping grades
VSU Opens Center for Gifted Studies
Valdosta State works to meet the needs of Georgia’s gifted students
District eyes magnet school
Michigan school district looks to create large magnet school for gifted learners
To Meet Demand, After-School Program For Gifted is Hiring More Instructors
Program run by Summer Institute for the Gifted has incredible response
Investing in Gifted Education Could Cost Little, Report Finds
Changes in policy could affect gifted education without costing much
Nation’s Infrastructure to Support Gifted Students is Crumbling, Survey Finds
Inconsistent implementation, little teacher training, and no public accountability threaten gifted learning
Brightest Stall, Low Achievers Gain
Some Say Top Students Need Attention Given to Weaker Performers, as Smart Kids’ Scores Barely Move
Straight jacketing the academically gifted child
Schools are holding back gifted learners in many ways
Tough Enough?
Some questioning effectiveness of schools’ gifted and talented program
Prodigies seeking a class act in universities
Highly competitive gifted education in China
Foundation promotes educational opportunities with ‘Minds in Motion’
Group hosts activities for gifted students on Saturdays
500 children explore their gifts in design
Letter to the Editor: students need challenge and competition in school
Gifted child can be disabled, too
Are giftedness and learning disabilities mutually exclusive? Absolutely not!
Inventive Thinking Project teaches students creativity, analytical thinking
Program helps gifted students learn to solve problems with innovative inventions
Stanford’s Online High School Raises the Bar
Gifted high schoolers take elite online classes
Junior, seniors get ahead in math courses outside of SCDS: differential equations, linear algebra classes (online and on campus) challenge students
Gifted high school students take college courses to meet their educational needs
Reynoldsburg middle school excels after ‘radical’ move to group kids based on academic performance
School vastly improves after grouping students according to ability
Five myths about ‘gifted and talented’ students
Some beliefs about gifted children exposed
Washington-area schools confront the ‘gifted gap’
District works to find overlooked minority gifted students
Keeping best, brightest in South Carolina
SC’s Governor’s School helps gifted students contribute to the state’s growth
Gifted education is a worthwhile investment
The head of Chicago’s Quest Academy cites the damage done to our children and our country by insufficient gifted education
Charter schools’ programs for the gifted, computer skills attract students
When traditional public schools fail to educate gifted students, parents turn to charter schools.
One of a Kind: Feature on Gifted Students
Did I miss any great articles? Please post them in the comments below!
Thank you for reading Rochester SAGE! Together we can make a difference for gifted children!
Rochester SAGE - Supporting Advanced & Gifted Education 
I love this list. Thank you. I’m so glad that this issue is so much in the mainstream media right now.