What is math talent? Ten different educators will most likely provide 10 different answers. Researchers state that one reason mathematical talent is difficult to describe involves the different ways children manifest math talent. Children can display math talent in three different ways: (a) those who reason abstractly and have an "algebraic…

Whether or not it is conscious, parents, caregivers, and teachers are looking for indicators that a child is not "fitting in" with peers. In most cases, teachers and parents are looking for problems or learning difficulties that need to be addressed because the earlier a problem is discovered and diagnosed, the more likely an intervention or…

Today's gifted children in middle school truly need advocates to ensure that school remains challenging through the middle grades and that the actions related to learning and talent development are positive experiences. Middle-grade advocates need a reason, a bit of prep, and a plan in order to be super advocates for children. As Chair for the…

Talent Development Centers are just one of many tools every family, teacher, and gifted advocate should have in their tool box. To understand the importance of Talent Development Centers, it is essential to also understand the Academic Talent Search Program. Talent Search participants who obtain scores comparable to college-bound high school…

Talent Searches offer an opportunity for gifted children to experience learning on prestigious college campuses around the nation, and as importantly, an opportunity to form relationships with like-minded, similar-age peers. Few opportunities open doors for intellectual, social, and emotional growth in gifted children as efficiently as…

In their last column, the authors described a Gold Standard School--a place in which all children thrive including the gifted and talented. The Checklist for a Gold Standard School, which is included in this article, highlights the main characteristics of such a school including a focus on continuous progress, talent development, policies that…

In this article, the author presents questions that can help parents determine: (1) whether or not their child's school has a special program for gifted and talented (GT) students; (2) how valid it is; and (3) whether or not it's appropriate for their high-potential child. Each question is direct, to the point, and intended to help parents find…

In this article, the author describes her experience with her daughter, Grace, who always had an interest in art. She states that being the parent of a child who has talent in an area that is not one's own can be daunting. Here, she stresses the importance of understanding the unique developmental path of each child. Some students show their…

In this article, the author discusses the meaning and importance of high grades and high achievement in terms of giftedness. She offers some reasons to tell children about the importance of school achievement. She suggests that good grades are no guarantee of eventual adult success, whether that is defined as a high income or a rewarding,…