Gifted and Talented Education Resources

Posted on Modified on  Posted by Lauren Forte

Gifted education resources

As a parent, it’s natural to want your child to excel academically and reach their full potential. However, if your child is one of the 3.3 million students considered to be gifted, you may feel unsure about how to provide them with adequate stimulation and challenges. Rest assured, you’re not alone in this. Fortunately, numerous online resources are available to help you support your child. We’ve compiled a list of valuable resources that offer guidance, educational materials, and insights to help foster your child’s exceptional abilities.

How Do You Know If Your Child is Gifted?

Determining if you have a gifted child can be a difficult task. There is a lot of information to consider, such as definitions, traits, evaluations, and theories. It can be overwhelming to sift through all this information. Some children possess exceptional abilities that exceed the usual level for their age, which is referred to as giftedness. It can manifest in various areas, including intellectual, creative, artistic, leadership, or academic fields, such as language arts, mathematics, or science.

It’s important to remember that gifted children can come in all sorts of personalities and backgrounds, and they sometimes act differently. Parents need to be aware of this and work to identify aptitudes in these children so that they can provide the necessary support to help them reach their full potential.

If you want to understand the full range of your child’s abilities, you may consider having them tested or fully assessed. It is essential to note that there are no mandatory federal or national policies for gifted education, so it is crucial for parents to research gifted identification policies and procedures in their area before seeking any testing or assessment.

Testing and Assessments

Many parents seek evaluations of their children to determine their educational placement and access to talent development programs. If this is your goal, it is recommended to speak with a testing professional about administering an individualized test, such as an achievement or intelligence test, without a complete assessment or full report. However, this path may only provide your child’s scores with little additional information.

If you want to better understand your child’s abilities, strengths, challenges, and needs, experts recommend a full assessment. This will help you understand your child’s strengths and weaknesses and how they might impact their education and social life.

When deciding whether to pursue gifted testing or a full professional assessment, consider your goals and the questions you want to answer. You’ll find it helpful to write down the questions that led you to seek information about having your child assessed. Some ideas on what questions to ask could be:

  • What information are you hoping to uncover regarding your child’s abilities? 
  • Are you planning to use the results to qualify for a certain program? If that’s the case, which tests are accepted? 
  • Will you share the results with your child’s school? 
  • Which tests do they consider most helpful in determining a student’s learning profile? 
  • Are there any concerns you have about your child’s academic performance or behavior?

Tips for Families with Gifted Children

As a parent, raising a gifted child can be a challenging task. While it is a great joy to see their natural talents and abilities, it can also be overwhelming at times. Dealing with their struggles and helping them reach their highest potential can feel like an uphill battle. It is common for parents to feel a mix of emotions, including frustration and guilt. However, it is crucial to take that important step toward overcoming those emotions. Seeking help from experts can provide parents with the necessary support to navigate the challenges of raising a gifted child. With the right resources, parents can help their children thrive and succeed in their unique abilities.

It’s important to seek educators who use effective teaching methods that cater to your child’s unique abilities. One such approach is project-based learning, which encourages hands-on and collaborative activities that allow creative problem solving. Additionally, independent reading is a valuable tool that allows children to explore topics of interest at their own pace, further enhancing their intellectual growth. Lastly, open-ended assignments provide the opportunity to showcase critical thinking skills by allowing students to approach the task in a way that best suits their strengths and interests. By seeking out these types of teaching methods, you can ensure that your children’s education is truly tailored to their needs.

For parents of gifted children, it is important to recognize that their growth and development extend beyond the classroom. While they may excel academically, it is equally important for them to have opportunities to explore new friend groups and activities outside of school where they can find a mentor. A mentor can provide invaluable support for your child’s individual needs, talents, and interests. As much as parents may want to be everything for their children, it is not always possible. By establishing a relationship with a mentor or finding a supportive friend group, your child can receive the additional guidance and encouragement they need to thrive.

As a parent of a gifted child, you possess unique skills and strengths. However, there might be instances in which you require additional assistance in nurturing your child’s talents and needs. It is highly recommended that you explore various resources that focus on giftedness and parenting gifted children. This way, you can ensure that both you and your child are able to fully realize your potential. To assist you in this regard, we have created a comprehensive list of websites and resources to which you can refer. Be assured that you are not alone in this journey, and that there are numerous resources available to help you and your child thrive.

National Resources

The Open Education Database is a valuable resource that provides a comprehensive range of tools, information, and support to help parents of gifted children navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with raising a gifted child. From reading materials and advice on fostering creativity and critical thinking skills to practical tips on managing the social and emotional needs of gifted children, the Open Education Database is a “one-stop shop” for parents looking for resources to help their gifted child thrive.

The National Association for Gifted Children conducts research and training, advocates for education reform, communicates with stakeholders, and collaborates with other organizations to enhance the quality of education for all students.

CECTAG – Council for Exceptional Children: The Association for the Gifted is a group within the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) that helps kids with unique talents and abilities. TAG provides professional learning opportunities and resources to ensure that gifted and talented learners receive support and guidance to reach their full potential.

The Summer Institute for the Gifted has been a leader in providing summer academic enrichment opportunities and programs for students in grades K–12 who are gifted, academically talented, creative, or high-potential for over three decades. Being at the forefront of offering gifted children resources, SIG’s commitment to excellence is unwavering, and it continues to provide unparalleled support and resources to help students achieve their full potential.

The Davidson Institute provides programs, resources, scholarships, and opportunities for talented young learners, regardless of age, socioeconomic status, or location.

The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth brings together the brightest minds of the next generation and offers them unique, intellectually challenging, and socially rewarding experiences. We proudly welcome students from all communities, regardless of race, culture, gender identity and expression, twice-exceptionality, or income level.

The Acceleration Institute at the Belin-Blank Center focuses on researching the effectiveness of academic acceleration for gifted students. It aims to identify the cognitive and emotional traits that impact their success with various forms of acceleration. The institute also synthesizes existing research on acceleration and makes it accessible to educators, policymakers, and researchers. Additionally, it serves as a global hub for acceleration-related research and policy.

Organizations

The Gifted Child Society (TGCS) is an educational 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization that provides tailored enrichment to gifted children in pre-kindergarten through high school. Students four years and older must meet TGCS admissions requirements to participate in TGCS programs.

Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted is a nonprofit organization that empowers families and communities to guide gifted and talented individuals to reach their goals intellectually, physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually—additional articles in Spanish. 

Blogs

Exquisite Minds Gifted and Creative Children—Exquisite Minds believes in the importance of cultivating creativity in bright and gifted children. Exquisite Minds offers support to parents and educators who want to challenge children to find new and constructive ways to look at the world.

Hoagies’ Gifted Education Page provides information on gifted children and adults, with over 1,150 pages, including 650 pages from Hoagies’ Page collection and 500 pages from ERIC Clearinghouse for Disabilities and Gifted Education (ERICEC). 

Exceed Expectation Learning is a commendable not-for-profit organization and blog that is passionately dedicated to providing support and guidance to families of gifted and twice-exceptional children. 

Our Gifted Kids is a blog that welcomes parents and gifted children from all over the world. It’s a safe and inclusive community offering gifted children resources and support. They advocate for better educational resources, support, and understanding of gifted children.

State-Specific Resources

Alabama

The Alabama Association for Gifted Children (AAGC) is a not-for-profit organization composed of parents, educators, and community stakeholders. They work together to advocate for educational programs that meet the unique academic and effective needs of gifted children and youth in Alabama.

Alaska

To discover resources for your child’s giftedness and education, visit the Alaska Department of Education. Additionally, check with your local school or district and explore social media for more information. National resources may also be beneficial in your search.

Arizona

The Arizona Association for Gifted and Talented (AAGT) is a non-profit organization that unites educators, parents, and community members to enrich the education of gifted and talented students in Arizona. They offer a variety of resources for parents and educators.

The Arizona Department of Education has a helpful blog for parents of gifted children. It provides emotional support, community events, and meetups for gifted students. You can receive advice and connect with other families who share similar experiences to support your child’s growth and development.

Arkansas

The Arkansas Association for Gifted and Talented Education (AGATE) organization is committed to educating its members and the broader community in Arkansas about the distinct needs and traits of gifted and talented children and youth. AGATE has compiled a comprehensive list of linked resources and a spreadsheet for online learning resources specifically for gifted learners.

California

The California Association for the Gifted (CAG) offers resources to help identify gifted students from diverse backgrounds, including those who have been historically underrepresented or underserved. They also provide appropriate curriculum practices and responsive services to promote equity and access for these students.

The Institute for Educational Advancement (IEA) offers personalized programs that are child-centered and have been helping gifted children grow. On their site, you will find numerous helpful services and resources for both parents and students.

Colorado

The Colorado Association for the Gifted and Talented (CAGT) helps families and educators understand how to support gifted learners. They offer helpful resources and articles in both English and Spanish to address the unique academic and emotional needs of gifted students.

The University of Northern Colorado provides a summer enrichment program that specifically focuses on the intellectual and emotional requirements of gifted, talented, and creative students. Additionally, they have a monthly Saturday program called Creativity Quest, designed for gifted and creative learners in grades 1–6.

Connecticut

The Connecticut Association for the Gifted (CAG) is dedicated to supporting the growth and development of gifted, high-potential, talented, and twice-exceptional students in Connecticut. CAG offers advocacy, enrichment, and resources to both educators and families. They provide helpful resource lists and connections to gifted enrichment programs within the state. Those interested in summer enrichment programs can also find options through CAG.

Delaware

To discover resources for your child’s giftedness and education, visit the Delaware Department of Education. Additionally, check with your local school or district and explore social media for more information. National resources may also be beneficial in your search.

Florida

The Florida Association for the Gifted (FLAG) aims to share information, conduct research, and support gifted education. They offer valuable resources for families with gifted children, providing them with the necessary tools and information to help their children thrive and reach their full potential.

The Florida Gifted Network (FGN) is an organization committed to empowering gifted students in the state of Florida. FGN offers a wide range of events, resources, and links to help parents, educators, and students alike explore the full potential of gifted learners.

Georgia

The Georgia Association for Gifted Children (CAGC) provides families in Georgia with gifted children access to numerous resources on their website, including links to various organizations, college programs, enrichment opportunities, competitions, and more.

Hawaii

The Hawaii Gifted Association offers support and resources for gifted learners, parents, and educators in the area. On their site, you can find information on gifted education programs, homeschooling resources, and strategies for nurturing giftedness.

Idaho

Idaho: The Association for the Gifted provides information, resources, connections, and advocacy pertaining to the education of high-achieving and gifted students throughout Idaho. On their site, you can find numerous community resources available to parents and educators of gifted students.

Illinois

The Illinois Association for Gifted Children offers valuable resources and events to support educators and parents of gifted children. Their website provides information on upcoming events and academic acceleration programs exclusively for residents of Illinois.

Indiana

The Indiana Association for the Gifted (IAG) aims to educate and support meeting the academic and emotional needs of Indiana’s gifted youths. On their site, you can find helpful family and educator resources and scholarship opportunities for gifted families.

Iowa

The Iowa Talented and Gifted Association (ITAG) is dedicated to equipping parents, educators, and administrators with the tools and resources they need to comprehend and address the exceptional requirements of their gifted children. Its website offers a range of resources and opportunities for Iowa residents, including resources for parents, educators, and advocacy.

Kansas

The Kansas Association for the Gifted, Talented, and Creative is a great resource for educators, students, and parents in Kansas. Their website offers tailored links and resources to support the academic growth, teaching skills, and personal development of gifted students.

Kentucky

The Kentucky Association of Gifted Education is a nonprofit organization made up of parents, educators, and administrators. Their mission is to promote suitable educational opportunities for gifted and talented students in Kentucky. The website offers resources for both educators and parents. Here, you can find enrichment opportunities and summer programs across the state.

Louisiana

The Association for Gifted and Talented Students in Louisiana (AGTSLA) is an organization that offers resources to parents and educators in Louisiana who are interested in identifying gifted or talented characteristics in children and meeting their unique needs. Their resources are designed to help educators facilitate learning for gifted students in the classroom and to provide parents with helpful information for raising and supporting their gifted and high-achieving children.

Maine

Maine Educators of Gifted and Talented (MEGAT) supports gifted students and their families in Maine by providing helpful resources and enrichment opportunities and advocating for their interests. They aim to create an inclusive and empowering community for gifted learners.

Maryland

The Maryland Educators of Gifted Students (MEGS) provide support and growth opportunities for educators of gifted students. Additionally, they provide GATE (Gifted and Talented) resources to parents of gifted children. On their site, you will find helpful resources and their yearly newsletter. 

Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Association for Gifted Education (MAGE) provides a wealth of resources for educators and parents of gifted students in Massachusetts. You can access articles, a blog, and a link library that offers an abundance of resources specifically for Massachusetts.

Michigan

The Michigan Association for Gifted Children (MAGC) offers valuable resources and expertise to assist parents and educators in enhancing the lives of advanced and accelerated children in Michigan. It acts as a hub for information, education, support, and advocacy for this diverse group of learners and their caregivers.

Minnesota

The Minnesota Council for the Gifted & Talented (MCGT) believes in building community and empowering families of gifted & talented children from all backgrounds through resources, advocacy, and support. They offer multiple resources for parents, educators, and the gifted student community.

The Minnesota Educators of the Gifted and Talented (MNEGT) provide support to both current and prospective educators of gifted students in the state of Minnesota. On their site, you can find helpful resources and news on educating gifted students. 

Mississippi

The Mississippi Association for Gifted Children (MAGC) provides advocacy, community, and information to support gifted children, families, and educators. Their website also offers resources for parents, educators, and assessment/testing referrals.

Missouri

The Gifted Association of Missouri (GAM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting gifted children, families, and educators. They advocate for the unique needs of gifted individuals and offer a community of support with resources for parents, educators, and students throughout Missouri.

Montana

For educators, students, and parents in Montana, the Montana Association of Gifted and Talented Education (AGATE) is an excellent resource. Their website provides custom links and resources to aid in the academic growth, teaching skills, and personal development of gifted students.

Nebraska

The Nebraska Association for the Gifted (NEGifted) offers a wealth of information, resources, and connections for parents and educators of high-achieving and gifted students in Nebraska. Their website is a great source for finding community resources related to gifted education.

Nevada

To discover resources for your child’s giftedness and education, visit the Nevada Department of Education. Additionally, check with your local school or district and explore social media for more information. National resources may also be beneficial in your search.

New Hampshire

The New Hampshire Association for Gifted Education (NHAGE) provides families in New Hampshire with gifted children access to a range of resources on its website, such as links to different organizations, college programs, enrichment opportunities, and more.

New Jersey

The New Jersey Association for Gifted Children (NJAGC) provides valuable resources and expertise to aid parents and educators in improving the lives of advanced and accelerated children in New Jersey. They serve as a central source of information, education, support, and advocacy for this diverse group of learners.

New Mexico

The New Mexico Association for the Gifted (NMAG) is a nonprofit organization that unites educators, parents, and community members to enrich the education of gifted and talented students in New Mexico. They offer a variety of resources for parents and educators.

New York

Advocacy for Gifted and Talented Education in New York (AGATE) offers valuable resources and information for parents, teachers, administrators, and other professionals dedicated to meeting the needs of gifted and talented children. AGATE publishes a newsletter distributed nationwide, as well as additional resources.

Central New York Gifted Youth helps parents, guardians, and educators support gifted youth in the area by sharing local educational events and relevant articles.

North Carolina

The North Carolina Association for the Gifted and Talented (NCAGT) is a valuable source of information for educators and parents of gifted students in North Carolina. Its website provides access to articles, a blog, and a link library containing numerous resources specifically tailored to North Carolina.

North Dakota

The North Dakota Association for Gifted Children (NDAGC) is a non-profit group established by teachers, parents, academic institutions, and individuals who are dedicated to promoting the education, advocacy, community building, and research of gifted and talented children in North Dakota.

Ohio

The Ohio Association for Gifted Children (OAGC) promotes and supports gifted students’ development by sharing helpful information, advocacy, affiliate organization encouragement, and support for research and education.

Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Association for Gifted, Creative, and Talented (OAGCT) is a non-profit organization formed by passionate volunteers who aim to unite professionals and individuals interested in nurturing gifted, creative, and talented young people. Their website provides valuable resources, including books and journals.

Oregon

The Oregon Association for Talented and Gifted (OATG) advocates for gifted children’s needs, serving as a resource for families, educators, and communities, providing guidance for excellent gifted education.

Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education (PAGE) is a nonprofit organization that aims to provide assistance to gifted children, families, and educators. Their primary goal is to advocate for the distinct requirements of gifted individuals and to offer a supportive community with resources for parents, educators, and students all over Pennsylvania.

Rhode Island

​​To discover resources for your child’s giftedness and education, visit the Rhode Island Department of Education. Additionally, check with your local school or district and explore social media for more information. National resources may also be beneficial in your search.

South Carolina

The South Carolina Consortium for Gifted Education provides professional development opportunities to educators of gifted children by sharing helpful tips, resources, and information across the state of South Carolina. On the site, you will find resources for parents, educators, and administrators. 

South Dakota

​​To discover resources for your child’s giftedness and education, visit the South Dakota Department of Education. Additionally, check with your local school or district and explore social media for more information. National resources may also be beneficial in your search.

Tennessee

The Tennessee Association for the Gifted (TAG) provides valuable information, resources, and connections for parents and educators of gifted students in Tennessee. Their website is an excellent source for finding community resources related to gifted education.

Texas

The Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented (TAGT) is committed to providing parents, educators, and administrators with the necessary tools and resources to understand and meet the unique needs of their gifted children. Its website offers various resources and opportunities for Texas residents, such as resources for parents and educators.

Utah

The Utah Association for Gifted Children (UAGC) aims to provide educational and emotional support for gifted youth in Utah. Their website offers resources for families and educators and scholarships for gifted students.

Vermont

To discover resources for your child’s giftedness and education, visit the Vermont Agency of Education. Additionally, check with your local school or district and explore social media for more information. National resources may also be beneficial in your search.

Virginia

The Virginia Association for the Gifted (VA Gifted) is dedicated to sharing information, conducting research, and supporting gifted education. They provide valuable resources for families with gifted children, equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to help their children thrive and reach their full potential.

Washington

The Washington Association of Educators of the Talented and Gifted (WAETG) helps educators and communities support the educational and social-emotional development of talented and gifted students by sharing academic and professional development resources.

The Northwest Gifted Child Association (NWGCA) provides support and advocacy to parents of gifted children. Their main objectives are to keep parents informed about upcoming events, involve them in speaking up for gifted education with policymakers, and connect them with other parents and leaders in gifted education.

West Virginia

The West Virginia Association for Gifted and Talented (WVAGT) is a non-profit group of parents and educators in West Virginia who understand the importance of nurturing the growth and development of gifted and talented individuals. Its website offers valuable resources and links to state and national organizations.

Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted (WATG) offers parents and educators of gifted students in Wisconsin valuable information, resources, and connections. Their website is an excellent source for finding community resources related to gifted education.

Wyoming

The Wyoming City Schools site provides information and resources, such as assessment referrals, academic acceleration information, identification information, and more, to help families and educators of gifted youth in the state of Wyoming.