What the (Gifted) Experts Say...

This past summer, I had the opportunity to attend Confratute, a week-long gifted education training at the University of Connecticut. On the final day of the conference, a panel of experts formed to answer questions on how to implement all the great ideas that participants learned and how to change the culture of a school regarding enrichment and talent development.

I thought it would be helpful if I used this week’s blog to summarize what each expert said, thus sharing their insights and wisdom. One important disclaimer: I am paraphrasing here and will do my best to capture the essence of the message each panel member conveyed.

Dr. Sandra Kaplan,  gifted expert at the University of Southern California, Rossier
Kaplan said when advocating for change, be careful not to be overzealous in your approach. Rather than try to convince an entire faculty of a good idea or change in program, she said it was wiser to convince one or two colleagues to adopt your ideas or philosophy, enabling them to help spread the word. “Leave cookies and crumbs all around,” she said. She also said leadership was circular in nature, rather than linear. It is a matter of balancing when to lead and when to follow, when to take credit and when to step back.

Dr. Marcia Gentry, professor in the Department of Educational Studies at Purdue University
Gentry said success results from networking with other professionals in the field and not being afraid to ask for help. She advised educators to become talent scouts, looking for talent and providing opportunities for students to express their talents. She said students learn and grow when they engage in interesting activities.

Dr. Susan Baum, professor of gifted education at New Rochelle College
Baum echoed Gentry’s philosophy, saying it’s important to seek out your students’ talents. She also advised modeling your own passions and talents, bringing them to school and seeking out colleagues who can share their talents.

Dr. Del Siegle, professor of gifted education at the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut
Siegle laid out a five-point plan for success. First, finding someone who believes in you can make a major difference, and students learn best when engaged in authentic learning experiences. He said when the environment is right, people will flourish, and he recommended surrounding oneself with positive people who share beliefs. He suggested finding ways to release your passion, adding that it is necessary at times to fail before succeeding.

There it is! Words of wisdom from some of the top experts in gifted education. Take some time to digest their advice, then possibly take one or two ideas, implement them at your school and embed them within your personal philosophy. It will change everything.