More Than Knowing: Helping Teachers Understand the Needs of Highly Able Students in a New Select Entry School

• In Event: Roundtable Session 84
  In Roundtable Session: Professional Practice in Gifted Education: Examining the Work and Perspectives of Educators

Abstract

This paper reports on an innovative partnership developed between researchers at an Australian university and a new select entry secondary school. The university-school partnership aimed at assisting the development and growth of the school, through providing expertise in the field of gifted education to teachers, most of whom had little experience teaching highly able students. Teachers were introduced to relevant research and literature and provided with opportunities to examine their attitudes and understandings. A mixed methods case study provided data for the development of a responsive program of on-site professional learning, giving invaluable assistance to the school while also affording teachers the opportunity to develop deeper understandings about the knowledge, skills and associated educational needs required in a selective environment.

Authors

• Leonie Kronborg, Monash University

• Margaret M. Plunkett, Monash University