Start Seeing and Serving Underserved Gifted Students

Book excerpt: 2020 TAGT Legacy Book® Award for Educators Winner Flexible tools help teachers see, understand, teach, challenge, and advocate for underserved gifted students. The underrepresentation of students from historically marginalized populations—including English language learners, twice-exceptional students, culturally and linguistically diverse students, and economically disadvantaged students—in our gifted programs and services continues to be a critical issue in education. The importance of a caring and committed teacher who sees and supports the potential in all learners and who respects linguistic diversity and students’ cultural identity cannot be overstated, yet teachers need the knowledge and training to do so. This reader-friendly guide meets that need, promoting equity in gifted education by providing teachers with a variety of flexible tools to nurture the academic and affective growth of their gifted students from traditionally underserved populations. Over fifty strategies are outlined within five chapters addressing how teachers can see, understand, teach, challenge, and advocate for their underserved gifted learners in all content areas. The authors share numerous student quotes, teacher anecdotes, and spotlights on successful school efforts. Digital downloads include all forms from the book and a PDF presentation. A free PLC/Book Study Guide for use in professional development is also available.