This is the first entry of the Anchorage Gifted Education blog. I am the supervisor of Gifted Programs for the Anchorage School District in Anchorage, AK. I hope folks in Alaska and beyond will take part in the internet conversation about gifted children, gifted education, and learning.
On September 20, 2007 the first Parents of Gifted Children Forum kicked off in Anchorage. Approximately 12 parents attended the one hour session which focused on behavioral characteristics, instructional strategies and needs of gifted children. I was impressed with the lively discussion about academic acceleration and the need for more gifted education in our educational communities. Several parents expressed an urgency for more instructional support for their gifted children. They believed and observed, first hand, that in the classroom there is such an emphasis to teach to the middle and low academic levels of students. I believe these deep discussions can be a spring board for this blog. I welcome responses, questions about gifted education, and points to ponders.
