The Importance of Rigor for Gifted Learners

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The Importance of Rigor for Gifted Learners
Mary L. Slade, Ph.D. James Madison
University slademl_at_jmu.edu
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The Problem
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Shifting Paradigms in Schools

• Heterogeneous grouping
• Standards driven curriculum
• Dumbing-Down of curriculum
• Lowered expectations for student performance
• Increased student diversity

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Learning means dissonance

• What is appropriately challenging to the
  individual learner?

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Needs for Appropriately Challenging Learning

• Learning Curve
• Boredom
• Stress
• Early
• Resistance

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Brain research tell us

• Learning environments must provide emotional
  safety
• Stress is toxic
• Boredom is as toxic to the brain as stress
• Construction of individualized meaning promotes
  higher level intellectual functioning

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Brain Research Differentiation

• Differentiation offers the best opportunity for
  appropriate use of challenge.
• Differentiation offers the best opportunity for
  building on students interest and need for
  engagement.
• Differentiation gives individual students
  meaningful experiences.

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Solutions
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Raise the Floor AND Ceiling
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Raising the Bar
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Grading MUST be About Learning
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There MUST be Continuous Progress for All Learners
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Producers NOT Consumers
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Differentiated Curricula

• Think about layers of learning rather than
  separate curricula for gifted learners.

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Advanced Studies Curriculum Layers
Above-Grade Level Curricula
Supplemental Programs of Study
Modified, Adapted, or Supplemental Curricula
Enrichment
Text Extensions
Core Academics