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The Talent Development Planning Handbook
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The Talent Development Planning Handbook
Designing Inclusive Gifted Programs



248 pages | Corwin

"Makes a distinct contribution to program planning for gifted education. Provides great charts that illustrate the key basics for identifying change."
—Tara McGuigan, Resource Teacher
San Diego Unified School District, CA

"The major strength of the book is its step-by-step process. There are plenty of charts and checklists that make the book user-friendly. Great planning guide."
—Cheryl Brockman, Gifted Education Teacher
Jonathan Alder Local School District, Plain City, OH

Gain tools to custom-build programs that nurture students' strengths and talents!

Gifted programs should be as innovative, unique, and ever-evolving as the exceptional students they serve. This comprehensive handbook provides the expert guidance and tools necessary for shaping a contemporary, inclusive talent development program tailored to students' individual needs and strengths.

Rather than imposing a "one-size-fits-all" model, this guide offers a flexible six-stage framework for planning, implementing, evaluating, and enhancing gifted programs. The authors draw on current theory, research, and more than 20 years of professional experience with schools, districts, and state education agencies to provide proven approaches for designing new programs and reinvigorating existing ones. Practical tips and ready-to-use resources include:

  • A CD-ROM with reproducibles, presentations, and templates aligned with each chapter
  • Needs assessment and climate inventory exercises and resources
  • Methods for constructing and implementing action plans
  • Strategies for tackling logistics, including how to form planning committees and effectively lead the planning process
  • Program goal-setting and evaluation tools

Ideal for gifted education coordinators, administrators, and special education directors, The Talent Development Planning Handbook covers best practices from leading experts to inspire innovation, improvement, growth, and change for talent development that contributes to the total school program.

 
Section I. Overview
 
1. Introduction and Overview
Four Generations of Gifted Education

 
Overview of the Handbook’s Contents

 
 
2. The Six-Stage Systematic Planning Model
Benefits of Effective Planning

 
The Six-Stage Systematic Planning Model

 
 
Section II. Stage One—Prepare
 
3. Foundations for Contemporary Programming
The Nature of Giftedness and Talent

 
Rationale and Goals for Talent Development

 
Fundamental Tenets and Beliefs

 
Identifying the Important Goals and Outcomes for Students

 
Deciding to Implement a Contemporary, Inclusive Approach

 
 
4. Innovation and Change
The Challenges of Innovation and Change

 
Responding to Innovation and Change

 
Dealing With Change

 
New Approaches to Teaching and Learning

 
The School Improvement Challenge

 
 
5. Planning Logistics
Forming a Planning Committee

 
Size of the Committee

 
Fostering Effective Communication Channels

 
Philosophy and Values of the Committee Members

 
Developmental Conception of Leadership

 
Planning for an Effective Group

 
Group Behavior Guidelines

 
Understanding and Applying Tools for Generating and Focusing Ideas

 
Informed, Progressive Outlook

 
Establishing a Working Community for Contemporary Programming

 
 
Section III. Stage Two—Clarify Where You Are Now
 
6. Needs Assessment
Interpretation of Needs Assessment Results

 
Additional Sources of Data

 
 
7. Checking the Climate
Assessing the School Context for Excellence

 
The Climate Survey for Contemporary Programming

 
Linking the Inventory Results With “Ready” With Nine Climate Dimensions

 
 
8. Programming Positives and Wish Lists
Your Programming Positives

 
Your Wish List

 
Suggestions for Searching Successfully for Programming Positives and Wishes

 
 
Section IV. Stage Three—Decide Where to Go Next
 
9. Setting Goals for Your Desired Future
 
10. Constructing the Master Plan
The Master Plan

 
Specific Components of the Master Plan

 
 
11. Constructing the Building Action Plan
The Building Action Plan

 
Components of the Building Action Plan

 
Moving Forward

 
 
Section V. Stage Four—Carry Out Programming
 
12. Implementing Contemporary Programming
The Four Levels of Service

 
Dimensions of Effectiveness and Criteria for “Healthy” School Programming

 
Effective Implementation of Programming

 
A Professional Partnership

 
 
Section VI. Stage Five—Seek Talents and Strengths
 
13. Identification in Contemporary Talent Development
Changing Views of Identification

 
Exploring New Opportunities and Directions

 
Summary

 
 
Section VII. Stage Six—Ensure Quality, Innovation, and Continuous Improvement
 
14. Quality, Innovation, and Continuous Improvement
Elements of Effective Evaluation

 
Indicators of Quality in Programming

 
Innovation and Change

 
Continuous Improvement

 
The Role of the Planning Committee

 
Relations

 
Conclusion: Planning Contemporary, Inclusive Programming for Talent Development

 
 
References
 
Appendices
 
Index

"Makes a distinct contribution to program planning for gifted education. Provides great charts that illustrate the key basics for identifying change."

Tara McGuigan, Resource Teacher
San Diego Unified School District, CA

"The major strength of the book is its step-by-step process. There are plenty of charts and checklists that make the book user-friendly. Great planning guide."

Cheryl Brockman, Gifted Education Teacher
Jonathan Alder Local School District, Plain City, OH
Key features
  • A comprehensive resource that shows how to begin and maintain an effective program
  • A CD-ROM containing Word documents that can be modified to meet the specific needs of the school or district
  • A research-based model written by a leading expert in the field of gifted education