My desire to research education and the players within it has been one of the biggest reasons why I have returned to graduate school. My most salient reason was to make sure that my own children, and other people’s children, did not have the same school experience that I had. For my Matildas I wanted to be Ms. Honey in a Trunchbull world.
I have spent the last few years honing my beliefs and research capabilities within my graduate program. I am having a wonderful time learning about the amazing capabilities of the human mind; mine and my students. So far, I have researched acceleration, identification, gifted programs in other countries, and underachievement. There is always more to learn.
At the conclusion of my last action research project I was discouraged because my research and reflection showed clear needs for gifted students that I cannot address as an individual. Part of the research process for me may include seeking projects where I can make a real difference. Perhaps when we begin to write grants I can see the fruition of my labors.
There are several areas that I would like to pursue in greater depth. They are:
· A lack of support for gifted and talented programs. How can evaluation of programs be used to justify the expense?
· How is the Jack Kent Cooke foundation using its resources to greater mentor the gifted children from underrepresented groups?
· How are private foundations such as: The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and edutopia using their money to support gifted programs?
· Districts that make it work such as Arlington County, VA.; Greenwich, CT.; and a possible visit to the Renzulli Academy that is partnering with the University of Connecticut’s Neag School for Education.
· Use of Problem Based Learning with Middle Schoolers. Authentic questioning.
· Use of the Integrated Curriculum Model and themed units using this model.
· How to apply Sternberg’s Theory of Triarchic Intelligence to the classroom.
· Where can money for gifted education be spent more effectively?
· How to find and provide services to gifted underachievers?