Gifted Education Resources

I have spent Spring Break chipping away at the work I need to complete to compile evidence for my portfolio in order to obtain a special endorsement in gifted education through Whitworth University (still ... not ... quite ... done!) 

As I've been compiling all of the evidence, I suddenly realized there are SO many excellent resources I have learned about through this program and I want to share at least some with you. 

First, a list of fabulous web resources related to gifted education - great info to be found for both teachers and parents:

The National Association for Gifted Children, http://www.nagc.org, which has many resources for educators and parents.Their quarterly magazine Teaching For High Potential is full of useful information.
The Washington Association of Educators of the Talented and Gifted http://www.waetag.net, 
Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted http://sengifted.org, GREAT for parents.
Northwest Gifted Child association http://www.nwgca.org, also GREAT for parents. (See presentation below)
MENSA https://www.mensa.org, - their Mensa for kids site has great educational games.
The Robinson Center for Young Scholars at the University of Washington https://robinsoncenter.uw.edu, 
The Davison Institute for Talent Development http://www.davidsongifted.org, 
Hoagie's Gifted Education page http://www.hoagiesgifted.org, TONS of good stuff here!
The William & Mary Center for Gifted Education http://education.wm.edu/centers/cfge/, 
and gifted teacher Ian Byrd's blog, Byrdseed, http://www.byrdseed.com/about/ - my favorite "gifted" blog. 

I also want to mention the website ChallengeSucess.org which does not specifically relate to gifted students, but addresses many educational issues relevant to gifted students. I particularly like their Homework White Paper, which (Spirit Parents already know) has shaped my own class homework policy: http://www.challengesuccess.org/Portals/0/Docs/ChallengeSuccess-Homework-WhitePaper.pdf

The big take-away here : 

• A review of research on homework showed almost no correlation between homework and
  achievement for elementary school students.
  Source: Cooper, H., Robinson, J. C., & Patall, E. A. (2006). Does homework improve academic achievement? A synthesis of research 1987-2003. Review of Educational Research, 76(1), 1-62
  

Second, The BEST information on the social/emotional development of gifted children I have ever come across (and what makes me realize a Seabury education is absolutely PRICELESS):

 "What Parents Need To Know About Smart Kids" found under Connections Conference/2014 Presentations on the NWGCA website 
http://www.nwgca.org/2014-presentations.html

I saw a version of this presentation by Austin De Bonte, President of the NW Gifted Child Association at the 2013 WAETAG Conference and was literally in tears as De Bonte talked about how gifted children's perception of "otherness" colors their social experience because of their social maturity mismatch. I finally understood what my child was going through, and what I learned in this presentation still helps me understand so much more about the students in my classroom. This presentation is full of insightful information and positive steps parents can take. 

And finally, a video that addresses "The Top 10 Myths of Giftedness," which I wish I could show to the entire world! These gifted students say it better than I ever could.