Examining the Perceptions of Rural Educators About Giftedness

• In Event: Saturday Roundtable Session 3:05 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Research on Giftedness, Creativity, and Talent SIG Roundtable: Diversity, Equity, and Identification (Table 26)

Abstract

This research explores rural leaders' evolving perceptions about and practices related to giftedness, particularly among traditionally marginalized students, through a 3-year federally funded professional development program called Rural Gifted and Talented Identification (RGTI). Utilizing surveys and interviews, the study reveals how the program fostered inclusive and equitable mindsets, leading to heightened support and efforts in identifying gifted and talented students from historically marginalized student groups. The findings highlight the transformative impact of high-quality professional development on rural leaders' beliefs and practices, promoting a more proactive and inclusive approach to gifted identification in rural educational settings.

Authors

• Kristina Astrid Hesbol, University of Denver

• Norma L. Hafenstein, University of Denver

• Naichen Zhao, University of Denver