Gifted-Talented Students Dunbar Middle School



Abstract

The research examines the support to the gifted talented students in the Dunbar Middle School by the teachers, peers and parents. The research uses the quantitative design collecting repso0nes of the teachers and students through a research survey questionnaire. The design of the survey acted as a ranking measure for justification and validation of the null and alternative hypotheses. The study s based in the hypothesis that equal support is provided by parents, teachers and the peer groups to the gifted student or not. On analyzing the findings it was found that there are disparities among the support from the three areas. There are not many intervention and support plans that the school offers to the students, beside, teachers need extensive training in this field. Parents support to these children is usually confined to the extracurricular activities and they leave most of the teaching responsibility to the teachers alone. Parents need to take an active role in identifying academic and behavioral needs so teachers have all information about support at home. This is way by which the gifted talented students can be acknowledging based on their capabilities and talent.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction6

Purpose of the Study7

Significance of the Study7

Hypothesis8

Definitions of Terms8

Delimitations9

Limitations9

Chapter 2: Literature Review10

Measuring Intelligence and Giftedness13

Understanding the Educational Needs of Gifted Children15

Methods of Instruction for Gifted Children17

Specialized Courses and Support18

Chapter 3: Methodology22

Research Design22

Instrument22

Validity23

Ethical Concerns23

Chapter 4: Analysis24

Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations26

Positive School Climate26

Family and Community27

References28

Gifted-Talented Students Dunbar Middle School

Chapter 1 Introduction

Dunbar Middle School is a magnet middle school specializing in science programs but lacking in minority identification of gifted talented students. According to the reading of reference material reviewed for this study. African American and Hispanic middle school students are not being tested or identified as honors level students (gifted talented students) at high levels. The Lubbock ISD program is going through changes to identify more students. “LISD is revising its Gifted and Talented Program to include a universal screener for all 1st grade students. NNAT2 (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test - Second Edition) is a culturally neutral and nonverbal measure of a student's general ability. LISD plans to assess all 1st graders with the online-version of the NNAT2 during the month of October. This study is going to seek out information regarding students in grades 6th to 8th that are honors, taking Pre AP course and identified as gifted talented achievers. After discussion with Dunbar Middle Schools Assistant Principal, Mrs. Davis, she stated “the number of students identified is low and there is a need of change.” The student population at Dunbar MS fits the criteria for the study of identifying possible gifted students.

Gifted and Talented students are defined as those students who possess or demonstrate high levels of ability in one or more content areas when compared with chronological peers (Sarouphim,2004,61-69). The students require modification to their educational program if they are to achieve in accordance with their capabilities. The law requires district boards of education to provide appropriate K-12 educational services for gifted and ...