Educating Gifted Students in Middle School

Understanding and meeting the needs of gifted students in middle school offers unique challenges. This newly revised and expanded second edition of "Educating Gifted Students in Middle School" updates the practical information about meeting these needs offered in the award-winning 2004 edition. A new chapter on the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) areas as well as a completely revised chapter on English/language arts for gifted and advanced learners in the middle grades are key components of the new edition. The impact of current reform movements, Response to Intervention, new relevant research, updated information on middle school boys and other special populations, changing middle grade configurations, and 21st century skills are added to the already thorough discussions of the first edition. Resources, references, and suggested curriculum materials have all been updated. The focus of this second edition continues to be on helping teachers, administrators, and parents to understand gifted middle school students, implement effective program models, define the role of the gifted teacher, identify best practices for the classroom, and apply curriculum ideas that are effective and research-based. "Educating Gifted Students in Middle School" focuses on creative, practical, and realistic school solutions that create a vital and responsive school community for all students.

Susan Rakow, Ph.D., is Clinical Associate Professor of Curriculum and Foundations at Cleveland State University, where she teaches middle school methods courses and directs the graduate program in gifted education. She earned her doctorate at Kent State University in middle school and gifted education. Susan is active in both the National Association for Gifted Children and the National Middle School Association. She presents at conferences, consults with schools and districts, and writes about gifted adolescents and how to serve their broad range of needs.