This lesson taught me a lot about the different theorists. after discussing the different theorists within our groups, i have a greater appreciation for Renzulli and his thoughts on giftedness. his concept of task committment is very important. I believe that many gifted people display this type of behavior, and that this is an important thing to look for when identifying students. While i was in elementary school, I remember one of my classmates was obsessively drawing in the classroom. She would draw and doodle no matter what the teacher was talking about or teaching at the moment. This was obviously a very special hobby for her. during this time, the art teacher was choosing students to be identified for the gifted art program. Thinking back, i am not sure what criteria she used for her picks, because she chose another girl over this obsessive art lover. I am not saying that simply drawing all the time makes a person a gifted art student, but rather that she was really good at what she loved to do, and she was not recognized for it. She was driven and gifted, but the teacher failed to realize this and the girl hid her frustration.
I believe that this girl was a true example of what Renzulli believes gifted people possess. This task committment is a recognizable feature and should be developed further.
For this week we were asked to examine the school system websites to compare the gifted site with the special ed. sites. This was a very interesting project, and I learned a lot about Stafford County's schools. Neither site actually offered very much information with regard to what actually happens during the process of testing and then potential placement. Also, I did not realize how the gifted program in high schools are so lacking. The students are offered upper level courses, but not in every subject, and not necessarily the subjects that the students may want to study. They are also offered a mentor: a teacher that is tasked with answering any questions/concerns these students may have. We discussed the issue of guidance and how these students need support in order to succeed in the school system, but how does this situation help? This issue is compounded by the lack of funding for any such program.
"While i was in elementary school, I remember one of my classmates was obsessively drawing in the classroom. She would draw and doodle no matter what the teacher was talking about or teaching at the moment." -- Sometimes - very visual or kinesthetic students doodle to process what they hear. My daughter does this too... doodles all the time - but this means she IS listening and processing... Regarding whether or not the student you referred to is gifted - hopefully, they had multiple criteria to look at as well.
ReplyDeleteRegarding gifted HS programs - very few high schools have GT programs - stating they have AP/IB or honors courses - none of which are gifted ed courses.. VA does have Governors schools - but these are not for everyone either - especially if they have a specific focus.