Parents often find that they must educate both the administrators, teachers and school board members about the characteristics and educational needs of gifted children. Since there is not one school of education in any of our state universities that offers a course in how to identify and educate gifted children, Washington has an entire professional education staff ignorant about the appropriate educational accommodations for this learning difference. The research listed below is a wealth of information that parents can share to help school districts make better decisions about the education of highly capable students.
Gifted children should be academically challenged every single day. Lack of challenge can result not only in underachievement, but in psychological and/or social problems. Such challenge is not happening every day everywhere in Washington right now. Our schools have a duty to provide a depth and breadth of challenge that matches their potential.
We want our children to be smart about thinking! We must guide them to think about the “Why?” and “How?”, not just the “What?” Doing so guides children to identify the underlying principle of a topic, which cuts across all disciplines of knowledge.
Document Resources
Website Links
The Center for Gifted Studies – Western Kentucky University
Go to this site. The Resources section is packed with excellent information and tools.
http://www.wku.edu/Dept/Support/AcadAffairs/Gifted/cmsmadesimple/index.php?page=parents
Gifted Ed video – well done video on the benefits of gifted education for our children: http://www.wku.edu/Dept/Support/AcadAffairs/Gifted/cmsmadesimple/index.php?page=gifted-education-video
Center for Talented Youth – John Hopkins University
Since 1979, the Center for Talented Youth (CTY) at Johns Hopkins University has focused on the needs of students with exceptionally high academic abilities
Council for Exceptional Children
This site provides information and resources about children with exceptionalities, including those who are gifted and talented.
Duke Gifted Letter
The Duke Gifted Letter is a free online quarterly newsletter for the parents of gifted children published by the Duke University Talent Identification Program
ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education
The ERIC Clearinghouse for Disabilities and Gifted Education (ERICEC) was disbanded by the US Government as of December 19, 2003. This is an archive of the material available on that site at that time created by Hoagies' Gifted Education Page for general use, updated with current links wherever possible.
Gifted Homeschoolers Forum
Advocacy of educational alternatives for gifted children
Resources 
Information 
Events & Speakers 
Community
Hoagies’ Gifted Education
The all-things-gifted resource that you've been searching for. Hoagies' Gifted Education Page offers resources, articles, books and links
John Hopkins University: Imagine...
Opportunities and Resources for Academically Talented Youth
This is a marvelous resource for gifted and talented 7th to 12th graders published by The John Hopkins University Press for the Study of Exceptional Talent, Institute for the Academic Advancement of Youth, The John Hopkins University. Find out more by calling 1-800-548-1784 or by checking out the web site
National Association for Gifted Children
The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) is an organization of parents, teachers, educators, other professionals, and community leaders who unite to address the unique needs of children and youth with demonstrated gifts and talents as well as those children who may be able to develop their talent potential with appropriate educational experiences.
NAGC has a Parent Associate membership that allows parents to receive Parenting for High Potential magazine for $25.00. You will receive four issues a year plus you'd have the opportunity to be a part of an international network of parents and professionals working to promote gifted education. Contact NAGC by phone 202.785.4268; by mail 1707 L Street, NW, #550, Washington, DC 20036; or via the web www.nagc.org.
Supporting the Emotional Needs of Gifted
SENG is dedicated to fostering environments in which gifted adults and children, in all their diversity, understand and accept themselves and are understood, valued, nurtured, and supported by their families, schools, workplaces and communities.
The FAQ section is particularly helpful.
Is My Child Gifted?
