Professional Development for the Education of Secondary Gifted Students

It is imperative that all school personnel become adequately prepared to work with gifted students in their capacities as teachers, administrators, counselors, psychologists, and support personnel. However, educators continue to demonstrate a lack of knowledge regarding the learning characteristics of gifted students along with the necessary instructional strategies that align with these traits. Consistently educational preparation programs lack specific training in gifted education where its integration is limited to a small emphasis in a survey course; further, little or no time is spent on the implementation of appropriate pedagogical practices. Subsequently, professional development is necessary, as it stands educators are expected to gain knowledge on their own after entering the profession.