CONFERENCE ABSTRACTS

Presenter: Sonia White

Creating a ‘Wow Factor’ School for all gifted learners: an achievable vision

It’s not all about money! Often a paradigm shift, teaching to assets instead of deficits, and determination to stick with a vision for the ‘long haul’ can turn around underachievement far more effectively than a cheque book. Based around the presenter’s own experience over more than 20 years in gifted education in New Zealand schools, this paper draws conclusions about the some of the key factors that can turn even the most ‘ordinary’ of schools into the extra-ordinary. Every school can be the right environment for gifted learners. Statements such as “there are no gifted in our school because...” can become a thing of the past. The paper describes key factors that can make a profound difference in the development of learning environments that meet the needs of gifted. It examines the positive change processes that the author has witnessed in the New Zealand educational environment and links practical experience with research. Similarly, it examines the barriers to success, and the ‘fish-hooks’ of quick-fix checklists. With a commitment to a long-term vision and careful change management, every school can nurture and develop its gifted students.