Meeting
the Needs of High-Ability and High-Potential Learners in the Middle Grades:
A Joint Position
Statement of
the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) and the National Middle
School Association (NMSA)
NAGC convened a task force
with representatives from NMSA to develop a position statement and call to action
on the learning needs of high-potential students between ages 10 and 15.
The final statement and
call to action, which have been approved by both organizations, highlight the
groups' commitment to ensuring that all middle school students are in classrooms
where both equity and excellence are continuing goals for each learner.
The document acknowledges
that variance in middle school students necessitates middle school educators
developing an increased awareness of and skills necessary to address the full
range of learner needs-including the needs of those who already demonstrate
advanced academic abilities and those who have the potential to work at advanced
levels.
NAGC and NMSA are urging
schools to implement appropriate identification, assessment, and curriculum
and instruction programs for students with advanced abilities and/or advanced
potential. Additionally, schools should build partnerships with all adults key
to these students' development, and focus on the affective development of these
youngsters. The position statement also calls for increased pre-service and
in-service staff development for middle level teachers dealing with gifted students.
In a companion document,
the Call to Action suggests specific steps for district and school leaders;
teachers, gifted education specialists and support personnel; and parents to
take to support middle school learners.
A brochure containing the
position statement and call to action will be distributed at both organizations'
conventions in November.
Links:
Position Statement
and Call to Action
Position Statement Brochure Order Form
Joint Press Release
National Middle Schools Association
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NAGC
/ NMSA Joint Task Force Members
Danute Krebs,
Ed.D., Task Force Chair
Indian Prairie School District 204
Naperville, IL
Susannah Richards,
Ph.D.
College of New Rochelle
New Rochelle, NY
Carol Tomlinson,
Ed.D., Past President, NAGC
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA
Deborah Kasak,
Ed.D., Past President, NMSA
Executive Director
The National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform at Education Development
Center, Inc.
Newton, MA
Linda W. Robinson,
Past President, NMSA
Alvin, TX
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