Gifted Child Today articles from March 2004

Gifted Child Today archives from March 2004

Gifted education at the undergraduate level?(From the Editor)
March 22, 2004... Should gifted education only be offered to graduate-level students? Should it be an option only to teachers who already have a teaching certificate? Is it too difficult for undergraduate teacher education majors to learn the basics of teaching...

Kidsites: http://www.kidsites.com.(On the Web)
March 22, 2004... Kidsites is a search engine just for kids. It has links to fun educational sites, as well as a spot for teachers and parents. The teacher section includes the Academy Curricular Exchange, where teachers can swap lesson plans across grade...

Figure this! http://www.figurethis.org/index40.htm.(On the Web)
March 22, 2004... How long would you have to wait in line if you hold number 300? How fast does your heart beat? Why are most manhole covers round? These are just a few of the problems that can be found on this mathematical challenges site, which is endorsed by...

The rudiments of wisdom encyclopedia: http://www.rudimentsofwisdom.com.(On the Web)
March 22, 2004... This site is the brainchild of Tim Hunkin, an engineer who became a cartoonist. The idea for the illustrated factoids on the page came to him while looking through books that contained a lot of odd facts and obscure information. Tim decided to...

Teaching as a professional career.
March 22, 2004... Boles and Toen (2003, p. 1) describe teaching as a job, "not a profession or even a career" ("Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Teachers," Harvard Education Letter, 19[5], 1-3). They suggest that teaching does not meet these recognized...

Bloom's Taxonomy.
March 22, 2004... Worsnop (2003) argues that Bloom's Taxonomy is not a sequence, but a classification system ("A Taxonomy Is Not a Sequence," Education Week, 23[7], 36). If teachers view the taxonomy as a sequence, they are more likely to teach skills first...

Explanations for differences in TIMSS results.(Third International Mathematics and Science Study)
March 22, 2004... The Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS-1995) and its successor, TIMSS-1999, offer researchers, policymakers, and educators opportunities to explore key issues related to the poorer math achievement of U.S. students when...

The pinhole camera site: http://www.pinhole.com/resources/pinhole126/pinhole.htm.(On the Web)
March 22, 2004... Do you want to make your own camera? If so, this site sponsored by Eastman Kodak is the place to go, It gives explicit instructions complete with illustrations and a list of necessary materials. The site also explains how to load film and use...

The Black History page: http://www.blackhistory.com.(On the Web)
March 22, 2004... "I have spent over half my life teaching love and brotherhood, and I feel that it is better to continue to try to teach or live equality and love than it would be to have hatred and prejudice."--Rosa Parks. This is a quote from the Black...

At the annual National Association for Gifted Children in Indianapolis, IN.(Notable)
March 22, 2004... At the annual National Association for Gifted Children in Indianapolis, IN, awards were presented to the following individuals: Sally M. Reis. NAGC Distinguished Scholar Award; Tonya Moon, NAGC Early Scholar Award; Gail P Hammond and Jill L....

Parent Leadership Associates.(Notable)
March 22, 2004... Parent Leadership Associates, a parent training organization, offers free publications that explain in greater detail what parents need to know about the No Child Left Behind Act. The booklet and other resources are online at...

The People-Pet Partnership features online curricula encouraging the proper treatment of animals and building leadership skills.(Notable)
March 22, 2004... The People-Pet Partnership features online curricula encouraging the proper treatment of animals and building leadership skills. The activities align with the National Science Education Standards. For more information, visit...

A recent report from the National Association of State Boards of Education recommends that state policymakers adopt rigorous licensure requirements for arts and foreign language teachers.(Notable)
March 22, 2004... A recent report from the National Association of State Boards of Education recommends that state policymakers adopt rigorous licensure requirements for arts and foreign language teachers and require study of the subjects from the early grades...

Understanding students' strengths and weaknesses.
March 22, 2004... The first 6 weeks of school are important in identifying each student's abilities and interests (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2003, "Different Starting Points," ASCD Education Update, 45[5], 1, 3, 6-8). During this...

Quality time with professors.
March 22, 2004... A recent higher education survey involving 14,000 faculty members and 145,000 students found that the amount of quality time with university professors varies by the student's major (J. R. Young, 2003, "Student 'Engagement' in Learning Varies...

State tests and college readiness.
March 22, 2004... The University of Oregon's Center for Educational Policy Research reports that exit exams, end-of-course tests, and other state assessments at the high school level have an inconsistent relationship to college readiness. Overall, state high...

Underrepresentation of women in top research universities.
March 22, 2004... In most technical fields, qualified female candidates exist, but are not hired by the top 50 universities. For example, while 44.7% of the doctorates awarded in biology from 1993 to 2002 went to women, only 30.2% of assistant professor...

The California Learning Interchange provides teachers with a variety of tips and videos of master teachers demonstrating classroom instruction at http://www.gse.uci.edu/cli.(Notable)
March 22, 2004... The California Learning Interchange provides teachers with a variety of tips and videos of master teachers demonstrating classroom instruction at http://www.gse.uci.edu/cli. Other best practices Web sites include The George Lucas Education...

The Strategic Education Research Partnership (SERP) is attempting to link education research and practice.(Notable)
March 22, 2004... The Strategic Education Research Partnership (SERP) is attempting to link education research and practice, harnessing the discoveries that teachers are making in their classrooms while also ensuring that teachers employ the aspects of...

The National Association for Gifted Children celebrated its 50th anniversary at its annual convention in Indianapolis.(Notable)
March 22, 2004... The National Association for Gifted Children celebrated its 50th anniversary at its annual convention in Indianapolis. Recognized were two gifted education pioneers who died this year: E. Paul Torrance author of The Torrance Tests of Creative...

The Information Institute of Syracuse University is planning to resurrect parts of AskERIC, the popular electronic database and question-and-answer service for educators.(Notable)
March 22, 2004... The Information Institute of Syracuse University is planning to resurrect parts of AskERIC, the popular electronic database and question-and-answer service for educators. The database has 2,000 lesson plans: 3,000 "pointers" to education...

The United Parcel Service provides support to educational programs that raise the level of educational effectiveness, innovative programs to enhance the quality of instruction, family learning opportunities, and school involvement.(Grants And Awards)
March 22, 2004... The United Parcel Service provides support to educational programs that raise the level of educational effectiveness, innovative programs to enhance the quality of instruction, family learning opportunities, and school involvement. Funding: No...

The Foundation for Child Development promotes the restructuring of prekindergarten, kindergarten, and grades 1-3 into a well-aligned first level of public education in the United States.(Grants and Awards)
March 22, 2004... The Foundation for Child Development promotes the restructuring of prekindergarten, kindergarten, and grades 1-3 into a well-aligned first level of public education in the United States. The sponsor funds research, policy development, and...

Future Problem Solving Program.(Contests)
March 22, 2004... The Future Problem Solving Program (FPSP) engages students in creative problem solving. Founded by creativity pioneer, Dr. E. Paul Torrance, FPSP stimulates critical and creative thinking skills and encourages students to develop a vision for...

National History Day Contest.(Contests)
March 22, 2004... The National History Day Contest allows participants to show their creativity by making history come alive in an exhibit, documentary, paper, or performance. This is a great opportunity to win awards and scholarships and learn more about...

Marguerite de Angeli Contest.(Contests)(Delecorte Press Books for Young Readers)
March 22, 2004... Children's book author Marguerite de Angeli told simple stories about the lives and dreams of active, impulsive, and inquisitive children whose adventures often brought them into contact with people of other races and cultures. Through her...

Educational Theatre Association Thespian Festival.(Contests)
March 22, 2004... The 2004 Thespian Festival features more than 50 productions presented by schools from throughout North America and abroad. In addition, the festival offers a full schedule of workshops presented by theater professionals, individual performance...

American Mathematics Competitions.(Contests)
March 22, 2004... The American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) seek to increase interest in mathematics and to develop problem-solving ability through a series of contests for students in junior high/middle school (grades 8 and below) and senior high school...

The Congressional Award.(Contests)
March 22, 2004... The Congressional Award is a public partnership created by Congress to promote and recognize achievement, initiative, and service in America's youth. The award provides a unique opportunity for young people to set and achieve personally...

The Heller Charitable Foundation supports programs designed to improve the professional skills of classroom teachers and grants that encourage the playing, enjoyment, and accessibility of symphonic and chamber music.(Grants and Awards)
March 22, 2004... The Heller Charitable Foundation supports programs designed to improve the professional skills of classroom teachers and grants that encourage the playing, enjoyment, and accessibility of symphonic and chamber music. Funding: Grants generally...

The La Unidad Latina Foundation supports grants to Latino-serving organizations for support of educational and community programs and activities.(Grants and Awards)
March 22, 2004... The La Unidad Latina Foundation supports grants to Latino-serving organizations for support of educational and community programs and activities. Funding: Grants range from $250 to $2,500. Contact 359 Prospect Ave.. Brooklyn, NY 11215:...

The American Express Philanthropic Program supports unique regional art and culture and programs that teach the fundamentals of business and economics, including entrepreneurship.(Grants and Awards)
March 22, 2004... The American Express Philanthropic Program supports unique regional art and culture and programs that teach the fundamentals of business and economics, including entrepreneurship. Funding: No limit mentioned. Contact: American Express Co., 3...

The Women's Sports Foundation provides an internship to minority woman in sports-related careers.(Grant and awards)
March 22, 2004... The Women's Sports Foundation provides an internship to minority woman in sports-related careers. Funding: Stipends for full-time interns range from $450 to $1,000 a month. Contact: Intern Program Manager, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, NY...

Rosie's For All Kids Foundation provides support for child care, education, and other programs for at-risk and economically disadvantaged children in underserved communities.(Grants and Awards)
March 22, 2004... Rosie's For All Kids Foundation provides support for child care, education, and other programs for at-risk and economically disadvantaged children in underserved communities. Funding: Grants range between $5,000 and $10,000. Contact: Grant...

The PPG Industries Foundation favors projects that promote academic excellence and prepare the next generation of leaders in business, science, and technology.(Grants and Awards)
March 22, 2004... The PPG Industries Foundation favors projects that promote academic excellence and prepare the next generation of leaders in business, science, and technology. Support for students of high academic achievement and programs that attract young...

Meetings.(Calendar)
March 22, 2004... APRIL 14-17 Council for Exceptional Children annual convention in New Orleans. For more information, visit http://www.cec.sped.org/neworleans/index.html. 16-20 National Association of Elementary School Principals convention...

Did you know ...?(Meetings)(volunteers)
March 22, 2004... ... 44% of young adults volunteered in high school compared to 33% 8 years later. ... 68% of adults volunteered once in the three surveys from 1990-92, 1994, and 2000. ... 12% of adults volunteered in all of the three surveys...

Messages for parents and teachers.
March 22, 2004... Both teachers and parents have similar agendas when it comes to children: the fulfillment of academic potential and the creation of lifelong learners who are well-adjusted, productive members of society. However, basic communication between...

On chance and being gifted.(Social/Emotional Needs)
March 22, 2004... This column examines the role of chance in the lives of gifted students. More specifically, it illustrates how being gifted (whether or not one is identified as being gifted and the experience of being gifted) is affected by a particular chance...

Stop tobacco in restaurants: fifth-grade students STIR City Hall.
March 22, 2004... It all started with a night of bowling in Austin, Texas, when fifth-grade student Amit had an evening of fun with his grandparents. When Amit returned to his home in Lubbock, TX, and tried to replicate his newfound recreation, his night of...

The merging of literacy and technology in the 21st century: a bonus for gifted education.(Technology)
March 22, 2004... The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.--Alvin Toffler For most of the past century, literacy has been associated with being able to read the printed...

Assessing public support for the gifted.
March 22, 2004... In order to assess the public's attitudes, perceptions, and awareness of programs for the gifted, surveys of public opinion have been used to determine the level of public support (Karnes & Riley, 1997; Larsen, Griffin, & Larsen, 1994). Surveys...

A new fable that focuses on old and valuable lessons.(New Products)(The Calico Buffalo)(Brief Article)(Children's Review)(Book Review)
March 22, 2004... In the tradition of Aesop's fables and other stories that touch the heart and teach valuable lessons, The Calico Buffalo (ISBN 0-97102830-3) is a beautifully illustrated book that aims to teach children the importance of diversity and the...

Innovative and effective programming for gifted students.(New Products)(Talent Development: The Levels of Service Approach)(Brief Article)(Book Review)
March 22, 2004... Talent Development: The Levels of Service Approach (ISBN -882664-98-1) is an excellent book that guides educators in establishing an innovative, field-rested approach to programming for talent development. Methods for organizing student...

The study of root words as a catalyst for building vocabulary.(New Products)(Red Hot Root Words)(Brief Article)(Children's Review)(Book Review)
March 22, 2004... Red Hot Root Words (ISBN 1-883055-57-1), written for use with students in grades 3-5, presents an extensive exploration of Greek and Latin prefixes, root words, and suffixes. Focusing on the most frequently used building blocks in the English...

Art through the ages.(New Products)(In the Oxford First Book of Art)(Brief Article)(Book Review)
March 22, 2004... In the Oxford First Book of Art (ISBN 0-19-514577-1), author Gillian Wolfe provides young children with a dazzling introduction to the world of art. A beautifully varied collection of images--paintings, drawings, sculptures, and textiles--from...

Making the most of mathematics from around the world.(New Products)(More Math Games and Activities From Around the World)(Brief Article)(Book Review)
March 22, 2004... More Math Games and Activities From Around the World (ISBN 1-55652-501-X) is another math resource by Claudia Zaslavsky, an author who has done a great deal of work in the area of multicultural mathematics. More than 70 games, projects, and...

An inviting introduction to Ludwig van Beethoven.(New Products)(Brief Article)
March 22, 2004... Load this informational and entertaining DVD-ROM and travel back to 19th-century Vienna. When you arrive at Christoph's house, step inside and enter a world of history, music, and creativity. Ludwig van Beethoven has moved into Chritoph's...

Can distance learning meet the needs of gifted elementary math students?
March 22, 2004... I remember how nervous I was when I accepted the position as the teacher for gifted students in our building. The task seemed overwhelming--meeting the needs of students who could think faster, harder, and smarter than any of our regular...

Engaging students in interdisciplinary curricula.(Through Another's Eyes)
March 22, 2004... Curricula, whether presented in public schools, private schools, home schools, enrichment programs, after-school programs, classes for the gifted, or the regular classroom, must withstand the scrutiny of the community, parents, teachers, and,...

The room meeting for G/T students in an inclusion classroom.(gifted and talented)
March 22, 2004... Gifted and talented children have great potential at the primary level for self-direction and independent study in the regular classroom, and they can work effectively with children of low and average ability to make the regular classroom a...

Tiered lessons: one way to differentiate mathematics instruction.
March 22, 2004... The movement toward inclusion has impacted classrooms by requiring teachers to respond to a broader range of academic needs. How can we possibly reach all the students in our classrooms when they are academically diverse, have special needs,...