High-achieving African American students are not immune to the issues that underlie racial inequalities in school achievement. There is much to learn from these students in terms of how they navigate schools and achieve according to conventional standards. Further, serious questions remain about the social and racial costs to being constructed as high-achieving against broader narratives of African American students as deficient. This qualitative inquiry uses participant interviews and document analysis to explore the Discourses on achievement and leadership produced by minority recruitment programs and the students who participate in them. Specifically, the research uses critical discourse tools to look at the narratives produced both by African American students and by (and through) program documents. It seeks to understanding where these narratives converge and where there might be tension. This research is conducted by incorporating a socio-cultural literacy and critical race theory framework. This dissertation study is at the intersection of equity and access; it problematizes progressive arguments against a segregated curriculum for high-achieving students by invoking a social justice argument in favor of leveling the playing field for traditionally marginalized students, specifically African Americans. Much of the existing literature on high achievement and African Americans takes place in traditional classrooms. Glaringly absent from the literature on achievement are the ways in which some high-performing students of color are positioned to succeed in competitive, non-school environments. Specifically, I look at minority recruitment programs because these programs teach a particular type of literacy. The study explores the degree to which students’ home literacies are being honored. Findings indicate that students’ perspectives on achievement were much more critical than those of the programs with students overtly challenging meritocracy. Students were less critical of leadership, and both programs and students offered views that privileged particular literacies of leadership. The researcher offers recommendations for MRPs that calls for programs to involve students in more critical inquiries through the use of a Critical Race English education lens.

Orientador: Miguel Cláudio Moriel Chacon / Banca: Cristina Maria Carvalho Delou / Banca: Jaima Pinheiro de Oliveira / Resumo: A Dupla Excepcionalidade é definida como a associação das Altas Habilidades/Superdotação com alguma síndrome, transtorno ou deficiência. No Brasil, esse fenômeno ainda é pouco explorado no cenário da Educação Especial, assim como o aprofundamento da temática. Dessa forma, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi delinear uma proposta metodológica de investigação da Dupla Excepcionalidade, com base nos dados de um estudo de caso de um menino com Transtorno do Espectro Autista e indicadores de Precocidade. Por haver poucos estudos sobre essa associação, optou-se pelo aprofundamento dos indicadores e especificidades de cada um dos fenômenos, a fim de possibilitar que o processo de identificação seja mais preciso e fidedigno. Trata-se de um estudo de caso descritivo, em que o pesquisador observa, analisa e correlaciona os fatos ou fenômenos sem manipular as variáveis, bem como a frequência com que os fenômenos ocorrem. Participaram da pesquisa: um menino com seis anos de idade, matriculado no 1º ano do Ensino fundamental, que frequentara o Programa de Atenção aos Alunos Precoces com Comportamento de Superdotação, vinculado à Faculdade de Filosofia e Ciências, da Universidade Estadual Paulista, e que apresentara a hipótese de Dupla Excepcionalidade; os genitores da criança; e suas respectivas professoras da sala regular e da sala de recurso. Para a coleta de dados foram utilizados três instrumentos: Atividades Pedagógicas; Questionários - (Questionário de Autonomeação - Altas habilidades/Sup... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The "Twice-Exceptionality" is defined as the association of the High Abilities/Giftedness with some syndrome, disorder or disability. In Brazil, this phenomenon has hardly been explored in the Special Education scenario, as well as the deeper study of the theme. Thus, the objective of the present study was to delineate a methodological proposal for the investigation of the Twice-Exceptionality based on data from a case study of a boy with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Precocity indicators. There are few studies on this association, for this reason, it was decided to deepen the indicators and specificities of each of the phenomena, in order to make the identification process more accurate and reliable. It is a study of descriptive case, in which the researcher observes, analyzes and correlates the facts or phenomena without manipulating the variables, as well as the phenomena occurrence frequency. The research participants were: a six-year-old boy who presented the hypothesis of Twice-Exceptionality, enrolled in the first year of elementary school, who attended the Attention Program for Precocious Students with Gifted Behavior, linked to the São Paulo State University, School of Philosophy and Sciences, Marília; his parents; and his teachers from the elementary education. Three data collection tools were used: Pedagogical activities; Questionnaires to observe the Precocity and the Autistic Spectrum Disorder indicators (Self-Administered Questionnaire - 1st to 4th, Identificatio... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

The thrust of this project was to compare the obtained IQ scores between the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children-Revised Full Scale score at 120 and above of public school students who were in classes for "gifted and talented" with the scores obtained when the Leiter International Performance Scale was administered.

High-ability students will provide future leadership in many fields of endeavour. However, the current practice of educating high-ability students in academically selective classes and schools may not provide the optimum environments for all such students. Big-fish-little-pond effect (BFLPE) research has demonstrated that students in high-ability environments have lower academic self-concepts than equally able students in low-ability settings. Low academic self-concepts are associated with negative educational outcomes. The present investigation aimed to extend current BFLPE theory and research by: (a) testing the BFLPE’s external validity across 41 countries to ascertain the theory’s universality; (b) testing whether the BFLPE is evident in developing countries and in collectivist countries to ascertain whether it transcends cultural and economic barriers; (c) investigating constructs that have the potential to moderate the adverse effects of the BFLPE; (d) elucidating whether upward social comparisons moderate or co-exist with the BFLPE to resolve a conflict in the literature; (e) critically analysing the relation between social comparison processes and the BFLPE to further inform theory; and (f) testing whether the BFLPE varies as a function of ability to clarify its impact on different ability levels. Three studies were conducted to achieve these aims. Study 1 assessed the BFLPE’s external validity and investigated potential BFLPE moderators. Participants were 265,180 15-year-old students who took part in the 2003 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, 2005a, 2005b). The BFLPE was evident in the entire cross-national sample of 41 culturally and economically diverse countries, and individually in 38. Moderating effects emerged for socio-economic status (SES), individual differences in learning, and individual perceptions of the learning environment. However, in relation to the large sample these effects were considered small. A larger moderating effect emerged for anxiety, where the BFLPE was found to be greater for highly anxious students. Study 2 was designed to resolve an apparent contradiction between the social comparison and the BFLPE literatures. Previously published social comparison data (Blanton, Buunk, Gibbons, and Kuyper, 1999; Huguet, Dumas, Monteil, and Genestoux, 2001) were further analysed to ascertain whether the BFLPE was moderated by, or co-existed with, with the beneficial effects of upward comparisons on performance. Participants were 876 Dutch and 1,156 French students. The BFLPE was moderated for Dutch language, but for all other academic subjects it co-existed with selected upward comparisons. Study 3 assessed the effect of selected comparisons on the BFLPE. Participants were 2,015 French students. The BFLPE was found to co-exist with selected comparisons measured subjectively and when measured objectively for math. The BFLPE was moderated by comparison choice in French when measured objectively and by a performance avoidance goal orientation. The moderating effect of individual ability was tested in all three studies, but provided only small effects, inconsistent in direction. These results define the BFLPE as externally valid and universally applicable and suggest that it is not moderated by selected social comparisons. Results regarding BFLPE moderators offer practical information to inform intervention strategies that may assist high-ability students to reach their full academic potential. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Over the past six years, a part-time withdrawal-from-mainstream-class enrichment program for gifted and talented children has been operating at the Holt Primary School in the Australian Capital Territory. In keeping with the neighbourhood school policy of the ACT Schools Authority, the program caters only for children within the school and has included those from grades three to six. Based on Renzulli's Enrichment Triad Model, the program has a thematic approach which provides opportunities for participants to pursue both group and individual research on topics of interest to them. Identified children remain in the program for as long as possible and some have continued for as long as three years when resources have been available. This Action Research Study by the Co-ordinator of the program describes the setting up, objectives, identification methods, resources and evaluation.

<p>Dilemmat var om begåvade barn får de stöd de behöver. Syftet med denna studie var att undersöka pedagogers och rektorers uppfattning om begåvning och begåvade barn. Studien gav en översikt av tidigare forskning kring begåvning och begåvade barn samt deras sociala situation i hemmet och skolan. Metoden vi använde oss av för att uppnå syftet var en empirisk studie. Den empiriska studien bestod av en strukturerad intervju med sex informanter. Resultatet påvisade att flertalet informanter var överens om att begåvning var svårt att definiera samt att begåvade barn ofta förbises och försummas. Elever som har svårt att nå målen går i första hand. Samtliga informanter var överens om att alla elever skall få sitt lärande individanpassat. De sade att om ett begåvat barn inte får den hjälp och det stöd denne behöver, kan de bli uttråkade och utåtagerande i brist på annat. Visionen för samtliga informanter i studien var att alla barn skall ges utmaningar och stimulerande uppgifter med rimliga krav för att kunna utvecklas på sin nivå.</p>

<p>Syftet med denna undersökning är att undersöka hur några pedagoger beskriver att de arbetar med de särbegåvade barnens individuella utvecklingsplaner och hur de med hjälp av dessa planer skapar en utvecklande och bra lärande miljö för dessa barn. Anledningen till att jag gör detta arbete är att det i min kommande yrkesroll krävs av mig att jag arbetar för att se och ta tillvara på alla elever, oavsett kunskapsnivå eller kunskapsdomän. Mitt uppdrag som pedagog innefattar även att jag, tillsammans med elev och vårdnadshavare, ska upprätta en IUP för eleven.</p><p>Jag har först ägnat mig åt litteraturstudier och sedan genomfört kvalitativa intervjuer av fem yrkesverksamma pedagoger i mellansverige. Mitt resultat sammanföll i stort sett med vad forskningen tidigare sa om pedagogernas förhållningssätt gentemot särbegåvade barn och upprättandet av IUP. Pedagogerna i undersökningen tycker det är bra och viktigt att arbeta med IUP i skolan. De är också väl medvetna om både möjligheter och risker som kan uppstå i upprättandet av IUP för särbegåvade barn.</p><p>Forskning visar på kunskapsbrist om särbegåvade barn, bland pedagoger. Detta avspeglas också i undersökningen. För att pedagogerna ska bli medvetna om särbegåvade barns behov och hur de kan ta vara på, och utveckla, dessa begåvningar med hjälp av IUP, behöver de få mer kunskap om dessa barn. Skolan måste även satsa mer på att utbilda pedagoger om intentionerna i gällande läroplan för att arbetet med IUP ska fungera tillfredsställande.</p> / <p>The aim of my survey is to examine how some teachers work with the gifted children’s educational plans and how they with help of this plans put together an education that favours the development of the gifted children. The reason I have chosen this topic is that my future profession requires me to see, and to take care of all pupils, irrespectively of their knowledgelevel or knowledge-area. My assignment as a teacher also includes, that I, together with the pupil, and his or her custodian, draw up an individual educational plan for the pupil.</p><p>I have firstly focused on literature studies and then conducted qualitative interviews with five teachers working in central Sweden. My results were very similar to previous research concerning teachers’ attitudes towards gifted children, and the drawing-up of individual educational plans. The teachers in the survey have seen the importance of working with individual educational plans in school, and they are well aware of the possibilities as well as the risks that can occur in the drawing-up of individual educational plans for gifted children.</p><p>Research shows a knowledge-shortage, among teachers, concerning gifted children. This is also reflected in the survey. If teachers are to become aware of the gifted children's needs and how to take care of, and develop, these talents by using individual educational plans, they need continuing education about these children. The school must also invest more on continuing education for teachers, about the intentions in current curriculum, if the work with individual educational plans is to be satisfactory.</p>

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2006. / Title from first page of PDF file. Includes bibliographical references (p. 145-162).

Syftet med denna undersökning är att undersöka hur några pedagoger beskriver att de arbetar med de särbegåvade barnens individuella utvecklingsplaner och hur de med hjälp av dessa planer skapar en utvecklande och bra lärande miljö för dessa barn. Anledningen till att jag gör detta arbete är att det i min kommande yrkesroll krävs av mig att jag arbetar för att se och ta tillvara på alla elever, oavsett kunskapsnivå eller kunskapsdomän. Mitt uppdrag som pedagog innefattar även att jag, tillsammans med elev och vårdnadshavare, ska upprätta en IUP för eleven. Jag har först ägnat mig åt litteraturstudier och sedan genomfört kvalitativa intervjuer av fem yrkesverksamma pedagoger i mellansverige. Mitt resultat sammanföll i stort sett med vad forskningen tidigare sa om pedagogernas förhållningssätt gentemot särbegåvade barn och upprättandet av IUP. Pedagogerna i undersökningen tycker det är bra och viktigt att arbeta med IUP i skolan. De är också väl medvetna om både möjligheter och risker som kan uppstå i upprättandet av IUP för särbegåvade barn. Forskning visar på kunskapsbrist om särbegåvade barn, bland pedagoger. Detta avspeglas också i undersökningen. För att pedagogerna ska bli medvetna om särbegåvade barns behov och hur de kan ta vara på, och utveckla, dessa begåvningar med hjälp av IUP, behöver de få mer kunskap om dessa barn. Skolan måste även satsa mer på att utbilda pedagoger om intentionerna i gällande läroplan för att arbetet med IUP ska fungera tillfredsställande. / The aim of my survey is to examine how some teachers work with the gifted children’s educational plans and how they with help of this plans put together an education that favours the development of the gifted children. The reason I have chosen this topic is that my future profession requires me to see, and to take care of all pupils, irrespectively of their knowledgelevel or knowledge-area. My assignment as a teacher also includes, that I, together with the pupil, and his or her custodian, draw up an individual educational plan for the pupil. I have firstly focused on literature studies and then conducted qualitative interviews with five teachers working in central Sweden. My results were very similar to previous research concerning teachers’ attitudes towards gifted children, and the drawing-up of individual educational plans. The teachers in the survey have seen the importance of working with individual educational plans in school, and they are well aware of the possibilities as well as the risks that can occur in the drawing-up of individual educational plans for gifted children. Research shows a knowledge-shortage, among teachers, concerning gifted children. This is also reflected in the survey. If teachers are to become aware of the gifted children's needs and how to take care of, and develop, these talents by using individual educational plans, they need continuing education about these children. The school must also invest more on continuing education for teachers, about the intentions in current curriculum, if the work with individual educational plans is to be satisfactory.

Dilemmat var om begåvade barn får de stöd de behöver. Syftet med denna studie var att undersöka pedagogers och rektorers uppfattning om begåvning och begåvade barn. Studien gav en översikt av tidigare forskning kring begåvning och begåvade barn samt deras sociala situation i hemmet och skolan. Metoden vi använde oss av för att uppnå syftet var en empirisk studie. Den empiriska studien bestod av en strukturerad intervju med sex informanter. Resultatet påvisade att flertalet informanter var överens om att begåvning var svårt att definiera samt att begåvade barn ofta förbises och försummas. Elever som har svårt att nå målen går i första hand. Samtliga informanter var överens om att alla elever skall få sitt lärande individanpassat. De sade att om ett begåvat barn inte får den hjälp och det stöd denne behöver, kan de bli uttråkade och utåtagerande i brist på annat. Visionen för samtliga informanter i studien var att alla barn skall ges utmaningar och stimulerande uppgifter med rimliga krav för att kunna utvecklas på sin nivå.