Having a supportive and knowledgeable school administration helps to create a climate in which creativity is nurtured and developed. In business, as in education, a creative learning environment is not just for a day, a week, or a month. It’s sure to be most successful if it’s infused into an organizational system where the entire organization has buy-in.
Where could you go in your school or district to locate resources to help you plan your gifted curriculum in order to make it more creative and innovative?
Begin by reviewing your gifted students’ records for their educational plan. Collaborate with other gifted endorsed teachers and join a local gifted association. A great benefit to a teacher of the gifted is the networking and sharing opportunities with other teachers of the gifted. Become a member of the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC). Finally, become aware of district, state, and national gifted curriculum guidelines. Organize a parent workshop or newsletter to keep parents, staff, and other stakeholders (local business partners and community role models) current on the importance of programs for gifted students. This is discussed in detail in the Curriculum Development for the Gifted online course.
Once a creative learning environment and the organization and managerial structures are in place, creativity can truly be developed in our gifted students. Additionally, gifted students can contribute to their academic success by taking part in creative opportunities such as: student-driven content, whole and small group instruction, self-expression, journaling, opportunity for in-depth study and authentic assessment.