Abstract
Nurturing the Potential of the Twice Exceptional (2E) Student
The 2E student is the student who is both gifted and learning disabled. This 2E population can be difficult to identify due to the masking of gifted and talented characteristics by learning challenges or vice versa. Bright Not Broken: Gifted Kids, ADHD, and Autism (ISBN: 978-0-470-62332-9) is an amazing resource that can assist in not only identifying the 2E individual but also in inspiring hope for their future. Diane M. Kennedy, Rebecca S. Banks, and Temple Grandin focus on why 2E children are being overlooked in our educational system and examine common misunderstandings and controversies that surround this particular population. Chapters address characteristics of the 2E child, roadblocks to their identification and success in the educational arena, and strategies for helping 2E youngsters experience success and fulfillment. Important information is presented in the form of graphs, tables, and charts to create an easy-to-read source for all educators and parents of the 2E student. Tapping into personal experience and timely research, the authors offer insight and ideas for those desiring to help 2E students reach their potential. For more information, contact Jossey-Bass, A Wiley Imprint, 989 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103-1741, www.josseybass.com.
Tapping Into Gifted Learners’ Creativity
Creativity is often linked to giftedness. Many believe that the gifted child demonstrates a distinctive and creative approach to cognitive tasks. In this book, the authors explore important topics related to the assessment of creativity. The introductory chapter shares ways to assess the multiple dimensions of creativity; specifically, it discusses important considerations when choosing instruments for assessment or identification of the creatively gifted individuals. The remaining chapters describe particular instruments that assess different variables related to creativity. Theory and Practice of Creativity Measurement (ISBN-13:978-1-61821-160-6) examines obstacles to personal creativity, classroom climate that encourages creativity, creativity in mathematics, and creativity strategies in the workplace. Editors Eunice M. L. Soriano de Alencar, Maria de Fatima Bruno-Faria, and Denise de Souza Fleith present information that can be used in the school context to assist in planning intervention strategies that facilitate the development and expression of creativity in children who are gifted. For more information, contact Prufrock Press, Inc., P.O. Box 8813, Waco, TX 76714-8813, 800-998-2208, www.prufrock.com.
Planning Higher Education for the Gifted
Planning for college can be a particularly challenging experience for the gifted. Author Sandra L. Beger, an expert on college and career planning for gifted students, speaks to both parents and students as she presents a plethora of guidance and information about making decisions for the future in her new book College Planning for Gifted Students (ISBN-13:978-1-61821-147-7). Beger specifically focuses on helping gifted students discover their aspirations while understanding how this discovery might affect their choice of college. Chapters include the importance of matching student to college, pointing out that while a particular college may be a good fit for one student, it may not be a good fit for the gifted. Beger emphasizes the importance of matching the students’ strengths and interests with university offerings. In addition, she presents numerous graphic organizers to help students plan their future in an efficient way. This resource includes advice for writing college application essays, requesting recommendation letters, visiting colleges, and effectively communicating during the college entrance interview. The appendices of the book further assists in choosing a college by sharing web resources, college profiles, and scholarship search sites. For more information, contact Prufrock Press, Inc., P.O. Box 8813, Waco, TX 76714-8813, 800-998-2208, www.prufrock.com.
Creating the Organically Creative Classroom
Building a classroom that promotes creativity is central to academic success and personal fulfillment. Jane Piirto edits a collection of essays that examine and share 23 different experienced educators’ and artists’ perspectives on how to integrate organic creativity into the classroom in her new book Organic Creativity in the Classroom: Teaching to Intuition in Academics and the Arts (ISBN-13:978-1-61821-102-6). Instead of focusing on skills such as fluency and flexibility, this book presents helpful strategies that can be used to encourage students to become more creative within specific domains. Tying creativity to specific content areas, Piirto addresses mathematics, social studies, literature, science, theater, song writing, music, and more. Using personal stories and practical advice, the authors offer countless activities, ideas, and advice to produce a creative environment in a myriad of disciplines. The organic approach of this resource reveals methods for teaching that encourages the GT student to use more creative and critical thinking approach to in their learning. For more information, contact Prufrock Press, Inc., P.O. Box 8813, Waco, TX 76714-8813, 800-998-2208, www.prufrock.com.
Developing Informed and Global Citizens
In today’s increasingly interconnected world, it is important that students learn about cultures and traditions outside their local communities. Homa Sabet Tavangar and Becky Mladic-Morales have created a resource with curriculum that goes above and beyond the general education content. Encouraging students to take a more diverse look at education and the world in general, The Global Education Toolkit for Elementary Learners (ISBN: 978-1-4833-4418-8) offers suggestions and strategies to integrate cultural awareness and appreciation into the school day. This book is filled with hundreds of activities and projects to use in the classroom. The toolkit is a stepping stone to understanding the world outside of the school. Chapters guide educators in recruiting parent and community volunteers, using social media for student global collaboration projects, planning international events, initiating global dialogue, and developing curriculum that aligns to common core standards. It offers many great project ideas utilizing crafts, sports, music, food, and festivals to create cultural learning. For more information, contact Corwin Press, 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, California 91320, 800-233-9936, www.corwinpress.com.