The transition to an online learning environment can be like drinking from a fire hydrant. Rather than overwhelm with countless details, the Institute for Education Sciences Regional Education Laboratory Midwest has selected five research-based strategies for e-learning. Below is a summary of the strategies they suggest, along with some relevant resources that they provide. Use universal design for learning principles. Provide multiple means of representation (video, audio, … [Read more...] about Transitioning to an Online Learning Space
Classroom
Ask the Experts: Redirecting a Demotivated Gifted Student
Dear Dr. Courtright, My gifted sophomore was always a high-achiever, but as of late, he is showing signs of apathy and an overall lack of direction in his studies. During elementary school, he ended up in detention after his teacher misread his curious mind as him showing disrespect. He has been associating himself with less aspirational, even trouble-making students. I’m worried that the incident may have hurt, in some way, his perceived personal image – demoralized him – and that it may … [Read more...] about Ask the Experts: Redirecting a Demotivated Gifted Student
Ask the Experts: Talented Toddlers
Dear Dr. Courtright, We are looking for resources for gifted and talented toddlers. I know your program starts at 4th grade, but any suggestions you can give us for helping our child thrive until then would be appreciated. Thank you! … [Read more...] about Ask the Experts: Talented Toddlers
Ask the Experts: Career Counseling
Dear Dr. Courtright, I recently had my daughter tested for A.D.D., and it turns out she is off the charts on the facial and pattern recognition tests. Do you have any suggestions on what we might do to foster the development of these skills? Is there use for these skills in any careers? Any thoughts or suggestions you may have would be greatly appreciated. … [Read more...] about Ask the Experts: Career Counseling
And, Or, and Mean: What Multiple Criteria Means and How it can be Implemented
Many gifted programs rely on more than one assessment when identifying eligible students. However, multiple criteria for identification can be a double-edged sword. Although it may sound like more criteria should automatically lead to more students being identified as gifted, this is not … [Read more...] about And, Or, and Mean: What Multiple Criteria Means and How it can be Implemented
Personalized Learning: The Next Big Thing in Gifted Education?
Two of the biggest names in technology and education philanthropy – Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg – are jointly funding a $12 million initiative to support “personalized learning” in schools across the country. When any new educational strategy receives money and attention, questions arise. What is “personalized learning,” and why could this approach matter to your gifted student? Personalized learning (“PL”) is a specific type of instruction that creates a learning environment that responds to … [Read more...] about Personalized Learning: The Next Big Thing in Gifted Education?
Ask the Experts: Underachieving Gifted Students
Can you recommend some resources to motivate an underachieving gifted student? Dear Dr. Courtright, Information you've shared in the past about traits of gifted students was right on point for my son, who is in the 8th grade and in the TIP program. It was also highly aligned to struggles my husband and I have had with positive and negative traits. I desperately need some resources and more information that can help us accentuate the positive and reduce the negative. Do you have anything you can … [Read more...] about Ask the Experts: Underachieving Gifted Students
Ask the Experts: Twice Exceptional in Honors Classes
Dear Dr. Courtright, I’m in a tough spot with a gifted daughter who has also been diagnosed with ADD. She currently takes three honors courses, but the school is pushing back due to her need for special accommodations. My question is whether I’m correct in wanting her to remain in honors courses, with a plan for additional time. The homework this past quarter was relentless but other parents have pushed back on that issue, so the honors homework will probably be less demanding going forward. … [Read more...] about Ask the Experts: Twice Exceptional in Honors Classes
Case Study: Using TIP to Support Under-Resourced Students
Inocente Ramirez II has been working in education since 1972, first as a reading and language arts teacher and then as an administrator. Today, he is the assistant principal at Dorothy Compton Middle School, which is located in an impoverished area at the Southern tip of Texas. But Ramirez is making sure that his students can still see how far their education can take them. And he’s using Duke TIP to do it. … [Read more...] about Case Study: Using TIP to Support Under-Resourced Students
Ask the Experts — Homework: What’s Best?
Dear Dr. Courtright, I’ll keep this short and sweet. This email comes to you from a small independent school. As a gifted educator of forty years, I have long admired and appreciated Duke’s work on behalf of gifted learners. At my school, we pride ourselves on a differentiated curriculum that strives to provide instruction that is both appropriate and respectful of our student population. This philosophy also applies to homework assignments. … [Read more...] about Ask the Experts — Homework: What’s Best?