Gifted Child Today

Using data from teacher interviews, classroom observations, and a professional development workshop, this article explains how one component of the schoolwide enrichment model (SEM) has been implemented at a culturally diverse elementary school serving primarily Latina/o and African American students. Based on a broadened conception of giftedness, the SEM incorporates enrichment clusters, which are designed to expose students to a variety of topics that would not ordinarily be covered in the regular curriculum. The goal of enrichment clusters is for students to engage in active learning under the direction of the cluster facilitator, who encourages inductive and cooperative approaches to problem-solving and higher order thinking skills. At our investigation site, enrichment clusters are inclusive of all students, providing access to gifted methods and challenging curricula for Latina/o and African American students, who are typically underrepresented in gifted programming.

Current literature on twice-exceptionality (gifted and special education) provides a general framework in understanding the experiences of gifted students with disabilities. More specifically, it highlights the challenges in identification as well as the personal and social challenges students often endure as they progress through school. However, few theoretical- and research-based publications have examined the intersection of race, disability, and giftedness. This article discusses this intersection, with specific attention on African American, twice-exceptional students, and it provides specific recommendations for preservice and in-service educators. In addition, implications for future research are discussed.

Paideia Seminar is a method for facilitating Socratic discussions about different types of texts, whether they be texts in the literal sense of the word or any other object that represents ideas or values. In this article, we describe how teachers can implement Paideia Seminar to spark deep thinking and rich discussion among early elementary students using works of art as the focus. The value in using images for Socratic discussion with younger students is that the barriers of literacy are removed, allowing students with big ideas to participate regardless of their literacy level. This strategy is especially useful for challenging gifted thinkers who are not yet proficient readers. Here we describe the process of developing and facilitating Paideia Seminars with art in early elementary settings. Resources, ideas, and sample seminar plans are also provided.