Differentiation for Gifted Learners: Going Beyond the Basics

by Diane Heacox, Richard M. Cash

Overview

Within a group of advanced learners, the variety of abilities, talents, interests, and learning styles can be formidable. For the first time, this book connects the unique learning differences among gifted students to the specific teaching methods used to tailor their educational experiences. Differentiated instruction for gifted and talented students must go beyond adjusting content levels, task complexity, or product choice.
 
Topics discussed include:

• Common Core State Standards
• real-world problem solving
• abstract thinking
• interdisciplinary concepts
• authentic products
• learning autonomy
• accountability
• grouping practices
• affective curriculum
• 21st-century skills
• Advanced Placement and Honors classes
• IB programs
• underserved populations
• twice-exceptional learners

 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781575424408
Publisher:	Free Spirit Publishing
Publication date:	10/29/2013
Edition description:	Book with Digital Content
Pages:	208
Sales rank:	641,794
Product dimensions:	11.00(w) x 14.40(h) x 0.80(d)
Age Range:	5 - 17 Years

About the Author

Diane Heacox, Ed.D., is an associate professor of education at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota. She also actively serves as a professional development trainer for both public and private schools on topics related to teaching and learning. She is currently the international facilitator for the Higher Education Network of ASCD and chair of the Middle Level Division of NAGC. Diane’s books include Making Differentiation a Habit and Differentiating Instruction in the Regular Classroom. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Richard M. Cash, Ed.D., is a highly sought-after presenter and professional developer who has worked with schools throughout the United States and internationally. Previously, he taught elementary, middle-grade, and graduate students for over 20 years, and served as director of gifted programs for the Bloomington Public Schools in Minnesota. He is the author of Advancing Differentiation: Thinking and Learning for the 21st Century. Richard lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Table of Contents

List of Figures viii

List of Reproducible Forms ix

Foreword Marcia Gentry, Ph.D xi

Introduction 1

What's New in This Edition 1

About This Book 2

How to Use This Book 4

Chapter 1 Giftedness Defined Through an Equity Lens 6

Definition of Gifts and Talents 6

Identifying Giftedness in All Communities 9

Twice-Exceptional (2e) Learners: Gifted Students with Learning or Behavior Challenges 13

Chapter Summary 17

Chapter 2 Using Brain Research to Improve Differentiation 19

Brain Research and Giftedness 19

Putting the Research to Practice 22

Chapter Summary 26

Chapter 3 Gifted Learners and Standards-Based Education 33

How Standards Affect Gifted Students 33

Guidelines for Adapting Grade-Level Standards 34

Considerations in Reframing Curriculum for Gifted Students 38

Chapter Summary 39

Chapter 4 Defensible Programs and Services 40

General Characteristics of Gifted Elementary Students 40

General Characteristics of Gifted Secondary Students 42

Gifted Programming Models 43

Effective Grouping Practices Within Gifted Program Options 63

Chapter Summary 68

Chapter 5 Creating Authentic Honors Courses 82

Articulation: Clearly Defining the Rigors of an Honors Course 82

Differentiating an Honors Course 84

Alignment: Effective Practices in Student Selection 99

Accountability: Continuous Review for Continuous Improvement 102

Chapter Summary 103

Chapter 6 Changing Roles for Educators of Gifted Students 112

Defining the Role of the Teacher 112

Teacher as Mindset Shifter 113

Teacher as Knowledge Guide 114

Chapter Summary 118

Chapter 7 Co-Teaching: A Collaborative Approach to Differentiation 120

Getting Started with Co-Teaching 120

The Co-Teaching Roles of Classroom Teacher and Gifted Specialist 121

Co-Teaching Strategies for Addressing Learning Differences 123

Co-Planning Lessons for Gifted Learners 125

Benefits and Constraints of Co-Teaching 125

Chapter Summary 127

Chapter 8 Understanding and Reversing Underachievement 136

Defining Underachievement 136

Factors That Influence Academic Achievement 137

Potential Risks for Underachievement 138

Talent Development and Underlearning 141

Reversing Underachievement 143

Chapter Summary 149

Chapter 9 Grading and Assessment and the Gifted Learner 160

Types of Assessment 160

Integrating Assessment into Instruction 162

Using Assessment with Gifted Students 164

Assessment That Builds Autonomy 170

A Brief History of Grades 170

Grading Gifted Learners 171

Chapter Summary 174

Chapter 10 Leadership 193

Gifted Education Specialist: Administrator or Teacher Leader? 193

Embedding Differentiation for Gifted Learners into Classroom Practice 194

Instructional Coaching 195

Lesson Study 204

Chapter Summary 207

Chapter 11 Streamlining Your Lesson Planning 229

References and Resources 234

Index 240

About the Authors 251

Editorial Reviews

2014 Legacy Book Award Winner


“Considering gifted students with learning disabilities to those from diverse backgrounds, authors Diane Heacox and Richard M. Cash address the unique educational experiences of all types of gifted and talented learners . . . The practical suggestions are realistic for classroom teachers to implement and the straightforward tone of the book makes it easy to read and understand.”—Gifted Child Today



“Differentiation for Gifted Learners is the right book at the right time. Finally a book with specific teaching methods that can be used to tailor lessons to meet the unique needs of gifted learners!”—Wendy A. Behrens, coauthor of Exploring Critical Issues in Gifted Education: A Case Studies Approach


“Heacox and Cash clearly understand the landscape of schools and what is needed to make programming work. The many user-friendly lists and suggestions for . . . classroom strategies make this book an excellent reference for daily use.”—Felicia A. Dixon, Ph.D., author of The Handbook of Secondary Gifted Education and Programs and Services for Gifted Secondary Students


“Heacox and Cash have each made significant contributions to the field of gifted education. Together, they more than double their impact in this thoughtful, easy-to-read book. They use current research to address timely issues like differentiating the Common Core State Standards for high ability students, co-teaching as a collaborative effort, and focusing on assessment as a critical element of the instructional process. They tackle topics not previously discussed like working with immigrant students and designing challenging honors courses for secondary students. This book is full of practical suggestions for classroom teachers, gifted education specialists, and principals. It is a must-have for those eager to go ‘Beyond the Basics.’”—Chrystyna V. Mursky, director of professional learning at Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium and educational consultant at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction


 


"Differentiation for Gifted Learners: Beyond the Basics takes the reader on a journey that is both conceptual and practical at the same time. It offers direction and sophisticated solutions for issues faced by advanced and progressive schools."—Antarina S.F. Amir, Founder & CEO of HighScope Indonesia Institute


“At last, a comprehensive, up-to-date book that explicitly describes how to differentiate for gifted and talented learners. The heart of the book comes from Heacox and Cash’s step-by-step description of how to differentiate the content, process, or product of a lesson in order to meet the needs of the gifted and talented learners. The authors include a variety of instructional strategies that educators can use immediately with their identified students. If educators are looking for practical information on the topic of differentiation for gifted and talented students, look no further.”—Patti Drapeau, consultant in gifted education at the Maine Department of Education and adjunct faculty at the University of Southern Maine


“Differentiation for Gifted Learners is an excellent resource . . . Filled with practical definitions and explanations, the book offers a straightforward understanding of what it means to be gifted and talented and the components to a strong gifted program.”—Susie Strasser, high school English teacher

From the Publisher

Heacox and Cash hit a home run again. With a strikingly fresh and updated perspective, the authors take Differentiation for Gifted Learners: Going Beyond the Basics to a new level of possibilities with their revised and updated edition. If you liked the original book, you will love this new edition. It promises to be a must-have classic that all educators should read. This book is not to be missed!

Patti Drapeau

The highest praise for the authors! This new revision spans the gamut of how all aspects of teaching can be differentiated using formative assessments to create authentic learning and real-world connections. Heacox and Cash skillfully consider the roles of teaching and leadership, defensible gifted programming, and how to ensure equity when differentiating instruction. Through surveys, questionnaires, reflection guides, and observation and feedback forms, the authors show teachers how to design lessons that engage and challenge all learners. They then provide an abundance of practical templates, lesson plans, and ideas that create a complete system for taking differentiation beyond the basics.

Dina Brulles

I have been referencing and recommending the first edition of this book, from its first release, to student teachers and practicing teachers. This new edition is even more helpful in establishing a solid foundation in the topics that are so crucial for the field today, especially in areas of equity and in comparing and contrasting historical practices and improvements. At a time when gifted education courses struggle for enrollment numbers and gifted programs around the country are being debated for closure, discussions of defensible practices are critical for meeting the needs of the real students. Teachers also need to see how gifted education fits within the larger scope of education. This book has practical ideas, a clear writing style, and many avenues for conversation. It should be used in teacher preparation courses and professional development opportunities to build expertise and reflection. I look forward to the conversations that I will have with both new and experienced educators as a result of this new edition.

Nikki Myers

In the new edition of Differentiation for Gifted Learners, Diane Heacox and Richard Cash truly do go beyond the basics to help teachers extend their knowledge of the skills needed to differentiate instruction and apply this knowledge to a variety of student populations. Both Heacox and Cash have written and presented extensively on differentiation, and their knowledge of context truly enriches the content in this important book. I was especially interested in the focus on underserved populations, including ELL students and students who have ASD or ADHD and/or face other learning or behavior challenges. This addition is in sync with the trend in gifted education that emphasizes the fact that we teach all types of gifted students and must program for them. I personally appreciated the information in chapter 5, which offers guidelines for creating honors/advanced courses and a curricular framework that infuses the pedagogy of gifted education into secondary courses. Too often we forget secondary gifted students, but Heacox and Cash do not. I endorse this book and encourage those who are serious about meeting the needs of gifted students to read and apply the information presented.

Felicia A. Dixon