Partners: MTS Helps Schools Serve Gifted Students. An Interview with Three MTS Coodinators

What methods does your school use to identify its students as gifted/talented?

Weirick: In first grade we use the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability test and parent and teacher nomination. In grades 2-5, we use the ITBS and parent and teacher nomination. We also look at grade point average but we are in the process of adding the Naglieri because it is less subjective.
Bird: We use standardized tests combined with good attendance, excellent attitude and high motivation.
McDonald: Our district does not formally identify gifted and talented students. We use the formula that Midwest Talent Search uses to invite students to take the SAT/ACT. I realize there are many other factors that go into identifying g/t students, but that tells you that 1/3 of our students score in the 95th percentile or above on some of the subtests of the Iowa Test of Basic Skills.

Does your school provide services for gifted learners?

Weirick: I mentioned that two of our elementary schools have a classroom of 25 students in grade 2,3,4, and 5. The students are offered placement there and are bussed by the district to the site.
Bird: We offer advanced placement in math and language arts.
McDonald: Our middle and high school curriculum is very rigorous! While we don't offer specific "g/t" classes, there are many classes that are very challenging and thus motivating to the advanced learner. My own daughter is a freshman at a private Michigan college and has said the degree of difficulty at her college is comparable to ELHS. Her expository writing class of first semester was very similar to the one she elected to take at ELHS. I think our curriculum provides many opportunities for enrichment learning.

What educational program options do your students have available to them either now or at their middle or high school?

Weirick: In the middle school we identify for English and math. In HS the students can self select honors level or AP courses.
Bird: Advanced placement classes continue at our high schools along with dual enrollment opportunities.
McDonald: We "track" in our math classes so gifted learners are able to accelerate in that subject area. While the other classes are heterogeneously grouped, teachers try to give a variety of options for project-type assignments to offer more or less challenges for students. We also offer students the option of participating in CHAMPS math, a program at Michigan State University for students in grades 7-10. Students can complete 4 years of high school math in 2 years. At that time, they can enroll in AP math classes at the high school or take classes at MSU or Lansing Community College. There are many other AP classes at East Lansing High School. There are several summer programs available in the immediate area for advanced learners at all grade levels.

Can you describe one of your school's "success stories"?

Weirick: I know our AP Studio Art Class had some of their work published in the AP Vertical Team Guide. It was published just this fall. There were 5 different students. I think that was pretty amazing.
Bird: One of our disadvantaged inner city young ladies scored so well in the Midwest Talent Search that she got a full ride scholarship to attend a local outstanding private high school. She then received a full ride scholarship to Kalamazoo college and is now working on her thesis in psychology in Brazil. This minority woman is also a first time college grad. She writes me often!!!
McDonald: A young lady who attended MacDonald about 10-12 years ago was certainly one of the brightest students I have encountered in my teaching/counseling career. However, as is sometimes true of gifted learners, she had difficulty with peer relationships. She was way beyond the intelligence level of most peers and could "turn kids off" with what came across to others as an air of superiority. In the summer between her 7th and 8th grade years, she attended a summer program in political science at Northwestern, having been invited to attend through her participation in Midwest Talent Search. Upon her return to school in the fall, she spoke at length about her enjoyment in the program, particularly sharing many stories of other students and the fun they had together. It was the first time in her life that she felt she was truly with a group of peers – other kids like herself. It was a very wonderful experience and gave her the confidence and thus some "tools" she needed to approach peers at our school in a different way. I learned a lot from her about gifted kids.

What advice would you give to newcomers to gifted education?

Weirick: It is very important to listen to the students and give them choices. Also understand that they don't know everything and are still children. Guidance and encouragement are very important for their self-esteem just like any student. The materials used for GT students do benefit other students also, but the product a GT student gives usually reaches the next level. Parents should understand that even though their intellect may be high in reading their maturation is still that of a child their own age.
Bird: Instill confidence!! The program sells itself once initiated. The Midwest Talent Search folks are all wonderful to work with and very supportive!
McDonald: I believe enrichment learning is an important factor to a successful learning experience for gifted students. In addition, in many elective classes, gifted learners can find peers to whom they can relate and with whom they can interact in an "equal" manner – also an important factor for success.

What factors do you think lead to a successful school experience for gifted students?

Bird: Challenges must be offered in the fields in which they are interested. Parents must be kept informed and workshops offered. A very positive, encouraging attitude must be maintained.
McDonald: Teachers who are willing to "think outside the box" or "color outside the lines" as the popular sayings go, are essential in successful learning situations for ALL learners, including advanced ones.