Can you identify a student, or maybe a classmate who completed his/her assignments before everyone else, and then chose to assume the role of what is commonly called the ‘class clown?’  Or maybe someone who was always very talkative in class? Well, that person may well be classified as gifted. 

These views were shared by Dr. Joy Maria Scott, facilitator for the Giftedness Seminar, held at the University of the Southern Caribbean from June 2 – 6, 2008.  Dr. Scott has over 20 years of university teaching, research and practical experience in gifted education in the United States and South Africa.  She is Assistant Professor of Educational Foundations at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.  She is also co-founder and Executive Director of the International Education Teachers’ Network (IGET-Network).  Dr. Scott hosted the symposium along with her co-facilitator, Dr. Joy L. Davis, Gifted Education Curriculum Specialist at the College of William and Mary, Virginia, USA, and Associate Director for IGET-Network.

Participants were exposed to information on major issues related to the field of gifted and talented education. They were also introduced to strategies that can assist them in identifying “gifted children”, resulting in the enhancement of individualized learning environment, where these children could further develop their specific talents and abilities.  Dr. Scott referred to recent literature, which suggested “that labeling some children as gifted and others not as gifted, often contributes to resistance in implementing appropriate programmes and services that meet their needs, and the support that is required from the community, parents and other stakeholders.  She explained that a more inclusive policy should be used when referring to children with exceptional abilities or strengths in specific subject areas or skills, and that other criteria such as ‘high potential’ should be used when referring to these groups of children.

The presenters noted that while traditional methods such as IQ, personality, environment, and upbringing play a critical role in shaping one’s life, giftedness expresses one’s essential personhood. It makes them who they are, and sets them apart from everyone else.

Over 200 teachers, parents and representatives from various sectors in the Ministry of Education and other private sector institutions were in attendance.  Certificates of participation were presented to all attendees, and USC students received academic credit for their involvement in the Symposium.

IGET-Network is fully supportive of the U-Stars best practice for recognizing 5-9-year olds.  The network is also affiliated with the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and Northwestern University.