Programming Options and Instructional Strategies (continued)

• Tiered Assignments- assignments within the same lesson plan which are structured at varied levels of complexity, depth and abstractness to meet the need of students with diverse abilities.
• Learning Contracts- give students freedom to plan their time and yet provide guidelines for completing work responsibly.
• Curriculum Compacting- allows highly able students to “compact” or eliminate material already mastered from the curriculum, thus allowing them to complete subject material in a shorter time span.
• Flexible Pacing- students are allowed to work at the level most appropriate to their abilities.
• Self-Directed Learning- students make decisions about what they would like to learn, set goals and assume responsibility for completing their work, resolve problems that arise during the experience, and evaluate their own work.
• Learning Centers- a designated area or portable center designed to enrich a student’s interest in a given content area. These centers can supplement curriculum covered in the classroom, as well as provide information on a variety of topics not formally covered.
• Problem-Based Learning- type of problem solving in which students are presented with an "ill-structured" problem that resembles a real-life situation. Students are responsible for identifying additional data and resources that they need and for deciding how to present their findings and demonstrate their learning.
• Seminars- a small groups of students meet to learn more about topics that are not covered in the regular classroom or to expand on a topic that they have learned about in class.

Further Reading

• Berger, S. L. (1991). Differentiating curriculum for gifted students. ERIC Digest #E510.
• Tomlinson, C. (1995). How to differentiate instruction in mixed- ability classrooms. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
• National Association for Gifted Children's Position Paper on Differentiation

Enrichment

Enrichment- provides students with experiences in regular classrooms that are additional or supplemental to the established curriculum. The enrichment experiences are planned with students’ particular needs and abilities in mind. Some common enrichment strategies include:

• Academic Competitions- provide opportunities for the growth and development of a variety of skills (i.e. creative problem solving, critical thinking, communication, leadership, etc.) in an array of academic areas.
• Independent Study- an individual, in-depth study of a topic. Students usually work with a teacher or other adult to set an appropriate pace for covering work in the subject.
• Learning or Interest Centers- a designated area or portable center designed to enrich a student’s interest in a given content area. These centers can supplement curriculum covered in the classroom, as well as provide information on a variety of topics not formally covered.
• Field Trips- a group excursion that extends learning beyond the classroom into the community allowing students to engage in firsthand observation and experimentation.
• Mentorships- an enrichment program that pairs an individual student with someone who has advanced skills and experiences in a particular discipline. This mentor can serve as an advisor, counselor, and role model to the student.
• Summer and Weekend Programs- enrichmentclasses or courses during the summer months. Such programs are often available through colleges and universities as well as public and private organizations

Further Reading

• Roberts, J. (2004). Enrichment opportunities for gifted learners. In Karnes, F. A. & Stephens, K. R. (eds.) fastback series, Waco, TX: Prufrock Press.

Other Options

International Baccalaureate Programme- a nonprofit educational foundation based in Switzerland which offers advanced curricular options for students in the final two years of secondary school, for students in the 11-16 age range, and for students aged 3 to 12 years.

Further Reading

• International Baccalaureate Organization

Pull-Out Program- students are "pulled-out" of the general education classroom and a gifted education specialist facilitates instruction and special studies based on ability and interests to a group of identified students.

Special Schools- Specialized schools for high ability students, usually with a specific focus (e.g., performing arts and/or science, magnet schools, or schools within schools).