Gifted and Talented Strategies

Overview

This web page was started by Larry Sweeney as a tool for secondary mathematics teachers to meet the needs of gifted and talented students. While this web site is based on Larry's experiences, the strategies used are research based. A common misconception is that gifted and talented students are so intelligent that they do not need any specialized instruction. However, being gifted comes with negative consequences that can be debilitating for the student as well as the classroom environment if not addressed. Research in the area of gifted and talented education shows that the more gifted a student, the greater the need for specialized instruction.  

A message from Larry

All of the strategies in the toolkit are things I have tried in order to meet the needs of my students. I learned these strategies while pursuing my gifted and talented endorsement. The strategies in the toolkit are by no means all inclusive and teachers are encouraged to make contributions to this site. I look forward to expanding and improving my own ability to teach this rewarding group of students. Please choose the ideas you like, modify them to fit your needs, and leave behind the strategies you think will not work for you.

Larry Sweeney
Math Teacher
Clayton Middle School
Email: larry.sweeney@slcschools.org