Transforming regular classroom instruction to differentiate for gifted and highly capable learners

This qualitative action research study documented the transformation of a small suburban school district from an educational culture focused on minimal levels of achievement reflective of No Child Left Behind to one valuing the continuous progress of all levels of learners. The participant-researcher led teachers in third through seventh grades with instructional program changes in social studies and science that implemented advanced differentiation using a curriculum compacting model. The two-fold purpose of the study explored how teacher engagement in an effective professional development program impacted their practice and disposition toward meeting the needs of gifted learners, while seeking information regarding changes in school district culture to promote 21st century learning environments. After five action research cycles over an 18-month period, growth at the student, teacher, and district levels were reported to reveal a shift in learning, practice, and culture to embrace the value of differentiating for gifted and highly capable students in the regular classroom. Generalization of the findings is reflected in the development of a framework for 21st century educational reform that integrates various components of the study.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ed.D. Educational Leadership

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Educational Leadership

Year dc:date.available

2012

Author dc:creator

• Brown, Stephanie

Contributors dc:contributor

• Meredith, Corine

• Gifted children--Education
• Elementary and Middle and Secondary Education Administration

Repository record dc:identifier

https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/12

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:rdw.rowan.edu:etd-1011