While reading the Little House on the Prairie series to my children, I have learned that in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s day students were obliged to demonstrate to the entire community their mastery of their subjects: history, geography, math, and literature. This demonstration took place in public and was a great civic celebration and matter of pride. The students were evaluated in front of friends and family, neighbor and mentor; key to the success of the demonstration was the students’ commitment … [Read more...] about Appalachian Spring: The Senior Demonstration
Classroom
Form, Function, and Fun
Architectural design kits are among the more sophisticated manipulatives on the market today. Look for kits that reinforce principles of geometry and physics, require attention to detail (symmetry, balance, and aesthetics), and allow for creative exploration. … [Read more...] about Form, Function, and Fun
Metrolina Regional Scholars’ Academy: Parents’ Vision Becomes a Reality
Perhaps only the parents of highly gifted children can attest to the frustrations of educating them. These students learn at a radically different speed from their age-level counterparts (one and a half to four academic years’ growth in one school year). Although many public schools have pull-out programs for the gifted and talented, highly gifted students are not adequately served by this typically one-hour-a-day enrichment. Indeed, with IQs between 145 and 170, they are often unchallenged. … [Read more...] about Metrolina Regional Scholars’ Academy: Parents’ Vision Becomes a Reality
“Triple A” Options
The days of “senioritis” are numbered! The last year of high school can no longer be considered a time to relax before adulthood. Instead, it should be, says the National Commission on the High School Senior Year, a “time to strengthen skills, enhance preparation for postsecondary programs, broaden experiences to include service or demanding work-based learning, or culminate earlier classroom experience in a senior project.” … [Read more...] about “Triple A” Options
Money for College: Scholarships and Merit-Based Aid
You have guided your gifted children through many important accomplishments, and the next step is to help them prepare for college. There is good news: as college costs have risen, so have the monies designated for scholarships, many of them available to gifted students whose families do not qualify for aid based on financial need. Merit scholarships are based not just on high SAT and/or ACT scores and high grade point average but also on class ranking, letters of recommendation, quality of … [Read more...] about Money for College: Scholarships and Merit-Based Aid
Competition
Many parents ask how competition affects gifted and talented students. Should parents and teachers encourage them to compete? How does competition fit into our educational systems at a time when we hear more about cooperative groups and learning than ever before? … [Read more...] about Competition
The International Baccalaureate Program
Gifted students approach their final years of high school eagerly anticipating the opportunity to take college-level courses. At 60 percent of our nation’s secondary schools, this opportunity is offered in the form of Advanced Placement courses. However, a growing number of secondary schools are considering another rigorous, multidimensional, learning program: the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. … [Read more...] about The International Baccalaureate Program
A Whodunit Holiday
If mystery games are on your children’s wish list, you might want to consider the following, all of which I recommend. … [Read more...] about A Whodunit Holiday
Families and Schools: Partnership and Collaboration
During the elementary years a close connection between home and school can result in positive interpersonal, emotional, and intellectual development for the child. Parents and school personnel are dedicated to the educational well-being of children, but they represent different perspectives. When working together, they will find it helpful to have a sense of each other’s roles and responsibilities. … [Read more...] about Families and Schools: Partnership and Collaboration
The Inside Story
Gross anatomy doesn’t have to be gross anymore. Three-dimensional, interactive anatomy software allows for intricate, in-depth study of the human body with the click of a mouse. … [Read more...] about The Inside Story