Strategies for Identifying and Creating Gifted Programs

This workshop equips educators with practical strategies to identify, design, and implement effective gifted and talented programs. Participants will examine research-based methods for recognizing gifted learners, including those from underrepresented populations, and explore ways to create inclusive and equitable identification processes. The session also guides educators through the development of program models that align with district goals, provide enrichment and acceleration opportunities, and support the social-emotional needs of gifted students. By the end, participants will have concrete tools and frameworks to strengthen or establish high-quality gifted programming.

• Inconsistent or inequitable identification processes that overlook diverse student populations.
  
  
• Limited access to appropriate enrichment or acceleration pathways for gifted learners.
  
  
• Lack of structured program models that balance academic rigor with social-emotional support.
  
  
• Insufficient alignment of gifted programs with district improvement plans and long-term goals

• ‍Equitable Identification Practices – Participants will learn strategies to implement fair, culturally responsive identification methods that recognize giftedness across varied populations, including multilingual learners and students with special needs.‍
• Designing Comprehensive Gifted Programs – Educators will gain tools to design program models that include enrichment, acceleration, and differentiated learning opportunities, ensuring alignment with state standards and district priorities.‍
• Supporting the Whole Child – Teachers and leaders will explore ways to address the social-emotional development of gifted learners, building resilience and motivation while fostering long-term academic success.