Using Talent Searches to Identify and Meet the Educational Needs of Mathematically Talented Youngsters

Abstract

Regional talent searches have been available since Julian Stanley developed the Talent Search model in the early 1970s, and over 200,000 students per year nationwide take advantage of the opportunities these university‐based programs offer. The above‐level testing offered by regional talent searches is useful in (a) identifying mathematically talented students, (b) tailoring educational recommendations to the abilities of the students, and (c) providing challenging educational opportunities for the students. Important considerations and concerns, as well as a discussion of the benefits, are explored in this article.

The Talent Search Model of Gifted Identification

“…Over the past 40 years, Talent Searches have opened myriad options and advantages for students (Rotigel & Lupkowski-Shoplik, 1999), not the least of which is the “true peer group.” Even in the era before easy access to information via the Internet, university-based Talent Search programs sent booklets describing educational opportunities, encouraged students to challenge themselves in special educational programs, and listed students’ successes in their newsletters as a way of inspiring other students.…”

Gifted Education in Ireland

“…The use of out-of-level testing allows us to challenge students beyond their normal school levels. Rotigel and Lupkowski-Shoplik (1999) listed the benefits of participating in Talent Searches to include educational diagnosis, educational recommendations for particular students, appropriate information, educational awards, and further educational opportunities. Looking at this a little closer from an Irish perspective, we can see that the benefit of diagnosis is that above-level testing will give a more accurate picture of the ability of the particular student.…”

Radical Acceleration in Educational Process of Highly Gifted Students and the Situation of Turkey

“…Radikal hızlandırma yapan üstün yetenekli öğrenciler, birçok üniversitede kendileri için oluşturulan şeref-onur programlarına ("honors program community") katılmışlardır. Bu programların üstün yetenekli öğrencilerin sosyal aktivitelere katılımlarında ("involvement in social activities"), sosyal becerilerinin ("social skills") gelişiminde daha birçok duygusal ve akademik kazanımlarının gerçekleşmesinde olumlu katkısı bulunduğu belirtilmektedir (Noble et al, 1999;Rotigel & Lupkowski-Shoplik, 1999 (Liu & Barnhart, 1996;Sisk, 1992). Polonya'da üstün yetenekli bireylerin üniversitelere erken girişleri sağlanmaktadır.…”

“…Ayrıca A.B.D. 'de çoğu üniversitede üstün yetenekli bireyleri bilişsel ve duyuşsal gereksinimlerini karşılamak için şeref-onur programları (honors program community) bulunmaktadır (Noble et al, 1999;Rotigel & Lupkowski-Shoplik, 1999).…”