by Eric O'Neal, Duke TIP Intern and NCCU Graduate The memories of my years in elementary school seem almost a lifetime ago now. The days of walking in a single file line down halls and keeping that bothersome lunch PIN are no longer necessary. Though elementary school may seem a minor step in your educational career, it lays down the foundation of your learning experience and behaviors. It may be worth noting that from my 2nd grade through 6th grade years, every teacher I had either quit after … [Read more...] about Placement change requests
Advanced Placement
Suggestions for Reshaping the Admission Process
College admissions can play a huge role in shaping a student’s life. A new report from researchers at Harvard makes some recommendations for reshaping the college admissions process. Their goal is to put greater emphasis on a student’s commitment to others and the common good rather than personal success and academic performance. It is their belief that citizens, including students, need to be concerned about others and the common good—and that today’s culture sends messages that emphasize … [Read more...] about Suggestions for Reshaping the Admission Process
Academic Acceleration Helps Academically Talented Students Learn
Although pull-out programs are the most common form of trying to meet the educational needs of gifted students, they are not the only method of supplementing the education of academically talented students. Numerous reviews have been published listing different ways these needs can be addressed. … [Read more...] about Academic Acceleration Helps Academically Talented Students Learn
Advanced Placement
Advanced Placement (AP) courses and tests offer college level material to students while they are still in high school. The 37 AP courses currently offered prepare students to take a standardized test of the knowledge and skills acquired in the course. Colleges and universities throughout the U.S. accept the test results as evidence of learning at a level that is largely comparable to what is taught in their classes. … [Read more...] about Advanced Placement
Civil Rights for Gifted Students with Disabilities
Stephanie Monroe, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Education, has issued an open letter to public schools regarding students with disabilities who want to enroll in Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or other accelerated programs in high school. … [Read more...] about Civil Rights for Gifted Students with Disabilities
First Ever AP Course Audit Benefits Stakeholders
The College Board’s first ever audit of its Advanced Placement (AP) courses is complete, and all stakeholders—the College Board, colleges and universities, AP teachers, and ultimately students—will benefit. … [Read more...] about First Ever AP Course Audit Benefits Stakeholders
AP for Gifted Students Still a Good Choice
The recent audit of Advanced Placement courses mandated by the College Board (see “First Ever AP Course Audit Benefits Stakeholders” in this issue) may cause some parents to question whether AP classes are still a good choice for their gifted children. They are, assures Dr. Joyce VanTassel-Baska, the Jody and Layton Smith Professor of Education and executive director of the Center for Gifted Education at The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. … [Read more...] about AP for Gifted Students Still a Good Choice
Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate?
Parent Question: My daughter’s high school offers both the Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs. Will these programs sufficiently meet the academic needs of my gifted child? How do I know if they are appropriate for her? … [Read more...] about Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate?
A Beef with Bush’s Plan
In his 2006 State of the Union address, President Bush called for 70,000 teachers over the next five years to lead Advanced Placement math and science courses. This would be an expansion of nearly 38,000 teachers with such training. The initiative also calls for encouraging 30,000 math and science professionals to become adjunct high school teachers. … [Read more...] about A Beef with Bush’s Plan
The Benefits of Mentorship
Our son Daniel has always been the type of person to make things happen. He met his mentor, Dr. Sabine Heinhorst, after taking a serious interest in the eighth-grade science fair. Daniel resolved to “be brave” and simply ask Dr. Heinhorst, a professor of biochemistry at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM), in person if she would help him with his project. At first, Dr. Heinhorst was taken aback by Daniel’s directness and honest interest in science. Since then he has been working in a … [Read more...] about The Benefits of Mentorship