EGI 6246: Special Populations of Gifted

Please look to the right for the sub-pages with the assignments. Thank you.

INDEX

PART 1: SELF-EVALUATION OF COURSE PARTICIPATION (ATTACHMENT ON BOTTOM OF PAGE)

1. Completion of Modules
2. Completion of CEAs
3. Completion of Assignments (4 Required)
4. Demonstration of Skills Learned
5. Open Response

PART 2: DOCUMENTATION OF COMPLETED ASSIGNMENTS (BELOW)

1. Assignment Identification: “Matrix and Other Forms of Alternative Assessment for Identification for Diverse Gifted Learners”

Description: The dangers of not identifying diverse gifted students are real.  We still live in the age where gifted education programs are for the predominately affluent.  This assignment has three parts: research, unique matrix for diverse students, and a rationale.  The research dives deep into current “Plan B” identification measures for diverse gifted students in the area; the local district’s “Plan B” appears just to be another obstacle for identifying diverse gifted students.  My original matrix for better identifying diverse gifted students is a mix of local district’s “Plan B” matrices along with allowing flexibility with formal assessments due to the issues of cultural bias and learning disabilities masking high abilities and giftedness.  Ultimately, there needs to be some flexibility, but not too much to make the gates of gifted education programs flooded.  Every child is unique and this matrix attempts to better involve a Child Study Team to case review each child with their individual needs at heart instead of solely looking at narrowed requirements. 

2. Assignment Understanding: “Poverty: Mind Map and Core Issues in Diverse Populations of Gifted”

Description: Poverty can inhibit the development of giftedness.  Many groups of the diverse gifted experience poverty, especially gifted English Language Learners (ELLs).  This annotated bibliography explores six articles dealing with poverty and diverse gifted students.  Topics include gifted African-American Millennials, gifted students in rural schools, the concept of gifted potential and poverty, parents of gifted students experiencing poverty, social class, and rural Hispanic gifted students.  All of the articles indicate one of the biggest issues of poverty for the gifted students is the lack of resources.  Another issue with poverty is language development for gifted students.  A Mind Map then visually demonstrates the issues and obstacles of poverty for gifted students: identification methods for gifted, resources, effort, and lack of support from schools and communities.  Further categories in the mind map include changing demographics, intergenerational conflicts, health and nutrition, learned helplessness, teacher bias, and peer pressures. 

3. Assignment Curriculum: “Don’t Let Them Fall Through the Cracks: Special Populations of Gifted”

Link: http://prezi.com/muo7khtaj1e2/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

Description: This Prezi presentation really visually shows that diverse or special populations of gifted students are literally falling through the cracks.  This Prezi presentation further defines who is considered to be part of special populations of gifted.  Furthermore, this Prezi presentation shares data from Volusia County Schools with the number of identified gifted students among races.  In addition, this presentation shares data on the number of elementary gifted program sites with and without Title I funding for the low-income communities.  However, this data still does not reveal the numbers of diverse “white” students like Scandinavians as well as LGBTQ students, diverse twice-exceptional students, etc.  This presentation demonstrates the uphill battle of beginning to understand the special population of gifted students’ needs and curriculum choices. 

4. Assignment Cultural Immersion: "Profiles/Scenarios of Diverse Gifted Students”

Link: http://prezi.com/rswarw5239os/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

Description: This Prezi presentation compliments the other Prezi presentation about special populations of gifted students because this Prezi presentation not only reviews special populations of gifted, but provides realistic profiles/scenarios of special gifted students who experience prejudice and discrimination.  Overall, there are profiles/scenarios of a twice-exceptional student with a learning disability in reading, an African-American gifted learner experiencing poverty in an urban setting, a gifted immigrant from Mexico experiencing poverty, a gifted Syrian refugee experiencing learning a new language as an ELL and Islamophobia, and a gifted lesbian student experiencing gender issues.  After each profile/scenario, there are detailed intervention strategies for each student.  Two intervention strategies are very crucial to helping many special populations of gifted students: graphic organizers and bibliotherapy.  While intervention strategies are imperative, every student deserves a multicultural education because it aims to value all cultures with meaningful materials and instructional practices as well as incorporate multiple perspectives.