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The ImPACT aims to measure neurocognitive functioning in student athletes. Many schools administer preseason ImPACT assessments to determine athletes' baseline functioning. Follow-up ImPACT assessments are administered to athletes who sustain concussions to compare their pre- and post-injury functioning. Normative data may be used in place of individualized baseline scores if athletes were not administered baseline assessments. At the inception of this study, normative datasets consisted of scores from typically developing athletes. However, research suggests athletes of varying gender and exceptionality statuses perform differently on baseline ImPACT assessments. In particular, differences were found among male and female athletes as well as athletes with learning disabilities (LD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) when compared to control groups. Although some studies have suggested gifted and/or talented students may perform differently on ImPACT baseline assessments, no present study has directly examined this concept. The present study investigated baseline score differences between males and females and among students with LD, ADHD, giftedness, and typical development on the five composites of the ImPACT (Verbal Memory, Visual Memory, Visual Motor Speed, Reaction Time, Impulse Control). Findings of the present study revealed significant main effects of exceptionality status. Contrary to initial hypotheses, no significant main effects of gender were found. Additionally, no significant interaction effects were discovered. Follow-up analyses revealed members of the Gifted group obtained significantly higher scores than members of the Control group on Verbal Memory and Visual Memory Composites. The importance of these findings, limitations of the study, and directions for future research are also discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved)

The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to compare pull out and inclusion programs in two Texas school districts in terms of fourth grade students' academic performance in mathematics, while controlling for gender. The theoretical framework was provided by Renzulli's Three Ring Concept of Giftedness and based on the premise that giftedness is not a fixed state of being but a developmental component that has the potential to change over time. The final sample used in the analysis included 484 gifted students from the inclusion program at Southeastern Independent School District and the pull-out program at Southwestern Independent School District. The analysis was conducted on de-identified secondary data. Research Question 1 addressed the difference between the students in the two programs in terms of their math achievement. Research Question 2 addressed the interactive effect of program type and gender in terms of students' math achievement. The results showed a nonsignificant main effect, F(1, 480) = 1.72, p = 0.40, and a nonsignificant interactive effect of program type and gender, F(1, 480) = 1.37, p = 0.24. However, the slightly higher math mean score of the inclusion program compared to the pull-out program (1610.58 vs. 1604.82) justifies further research on this topic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

The purpose of this systematic, grounded theory study was to explain the educational processes used by homeschooling families of gifted and twice-exceptional children. For this study, educational processes were defined as instructional methods, curriculum, and structure used by homeschooling parents in the academic development of their gifted and twice-exceptional child. The conceptual framework guiding this study was choice theory developed by William Glasser with the influences of Robert Sternberg's theory of successful intelligence and Kurt Fischer's dynamic skills theory as these theories explain how choices are influenced by parents' understanding of their children's cognitive development, giftedness, and twice-exceptionality within a cultural context. This study sought to answer the question: What are the educational processes that families implement within the homeschool environment in educating their gifted and twice-exceptional children? This systematic grounded theory study was conducted using 14 individual homeschooling parents and one father-mother couple. Participants were recruited through a combination of convenience, snowball, and web-based respondent driven sampling. Data was collected using a demographic questionnaire, interviews, a letter of advice, journaling, and memoing. The data was analyzed using open, axial, and theoretical coding procedures. This study resulted in the development of four process models: (a) the process of choosing to homeschool, (b) the process of choosing curriculum, (c) the process of choosing instructional methods, and (d) the process of choosing structure. Additionally, the conceptual framework led to an amalgamation of the theories to develop a new theory: personalized education theory of gifted and twice-exceptional homeschooling. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

In American schools, African American students are underrepresented in gifted education programs while White students are overrepresented. School-based gifted identification referrals are primarily initiated by teacher nomination. However, many characteristics or attributes perceived as gifted by the African American cultural group are often not recognized under mainstream definitions of giftedness and by extension teachers who nominate students for gifted education. Teachers often attribute giftedness to very narrow and specific abilities used in mainstream definitions of giftedness such as IQ and academic achievement, and may subsequently overlook African American students who demonstrate non-traditional attributes of giftedness (i.e., creativity, leadership ability, strong social skills). Given evidence that attributions of giftedness may vary by culture, an evaluation of ways in which teachers and parents perceive giftedness is important. The current study aimed to (a) develop and validate a questionnaire to assess parent and teacher perceived attributes of giftedness in an African American and White sample of students; (b) examine parent and teacher perceptions of giftedness as a function of student culture; (c) examine teacher perceptions of which student attributes they are more or less likely to endorse when nominating African American and White students; and (d) examine differences between parent perceptions of gifted attributes and teacher perceptions of nomination for African American and White students. The study was conducted in two phases. In phase I, the researcher-developed Attributions of Giftedness Survey (AGS) was found to be psychometrically valid and reliable. In phase II, significant and non-significant findings emerged. Specifically, (a) parent perceptions of giftedness significantly differed between African American and White students, (b) teacher perceptions of giftedness significantly differed between African American and White students, and (c) parent perceptions of giftedness significantly differed from teacher perceptions depending on the student's culture. While teacher perceptions of nomination did not differ significantly between the two cultural groups, teacher perceptions of nomination were found to differ from parent perceptions of giftedness depending on the student's culture. Future directions regarding policy and procedural implications such as a comprehensive definition of giftedness and revisions to the nomination and identification procedure are discussed. Study results also indicated teacher training is warranted to facilitate teacher knowledge of culturally-bound expressions of giftedness that is unique to the African American cultural group to improve nomination rates of gifted African American students and support subsequent greater representation of African American students in gifted education programs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved)

This thesis argues for and provides a model for the full inclusion of individuals with special needs as co-laborers in the worship ministry of churches. Full inclusion means moving beyond simply accommodating ministries and facilities to minister to individuals with special needs. Full inclusion is encouraging each regenerate individual to use their own giftedness to minister to the body of Christ. As the church and world see individuals with varying abilities, both the outcast and the privileged serving Christ along side one another, the church will be edified, God will be glorified, and gospel of Jesus Christ will be proclaimed. Chapter 2 traces the history of disability in America. Discrimination is found in early immigration laws as well as in citizenship and voting rights. The cultural response vacillated between a desire to care for and protect those with disabilities and a movement to protect society from people with disabilities. Eugenics in America was a movement to prohibit reproduction and ultimately remove people with disabilities from society. Eventually, legal reforms were enacted which slowly created opportunities and granted civil rights to people with disabilities. The ADA and IDEA mandated equal access in public and in education. These laws were the catalyst of a seismic cultural shift in public education which itself transformed from an institution of exclusion and segregation to a place of full inclusion and acceptance. Chapter 3 examines the church's response to disability and outlines a biblical support for inclusion. Multiple surveys are cited which reveal a participation gap in church involvement between those with disabilities and those who have no disability. A lack of hospitality and a lack of theological understanding of disability are recognized as continuing issues in the church. Biblical warrant for inclusion is established through the doctrines of imago Dei and spiritual gifts as well as the Great Commission. People with disabilities are made in the image of God and those who are regenerate are given gifts for ministry to edify the church. The call to go and make disciples is a call inclusive of those with disabilities. Chapter 4 offers practical suggestions for engaging people with disabilities in the corporate worship gathering of the church. A model worship is designed, and appropriate accommodations based upon best practices from public education are suggested. Specific accommodations for both physical and cognitive disabilities are offered. Chapter 5 expands the scope of accessibility in worship to include worship leadership. Similar accommodations employed for accessibility in worship participation are proposed for accessibility in worship leadership. Chapter 5 concludes with a call for full inclusion in worship ministry. Chapter 6 summarizes the previous chapters, draws implications, and suggests areas for further research. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

The growing concern for the disproportionality of White students identified as gifted compared to other student populations challenges school districts to provide equitable opportunities for all students. Underrepresented student populations include socio-economically disadvantaged students, English learners, Black, and Hispanic students. Title I schools often reflect larger numbers of one or more of the underrepresented student populations. Federally funded supplemental instruction and support focused on remediation and reteaching to ensure academic success are expected while enrichment and nurture of gifted attributes may not be emphasized. Various theories of giftedness have been established through research identifying criteria for gifted identification based on intelligence and specific skills such as linguistic, musical, logical or mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, intrapersonal, and interpersonal intelligences. This study used data from one school district's Title I schools to examine the extent enrichment and nurture opportunities have been made available to students. The study also examined students' strengths as indicated on the Gifted Rating Scale categories of intellectual, academic, creativity, artistic, leadership, and motivation. These findings suggest a relationship between the effective nurturing of students' strengths and gifted identification outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

This dissertation was designed to explore the link between epistemic curiosity and giftedness, in order to provide an additional potentially non-biased assessment to contribute to gifted identification "body of evidence" files for underrepresented and underserved populations. Students of color and students of lower socio-economic status are less likely to be placed into gifted and talented enrichment programs (Donovan & Cross, 2002). If a significant relationship is found between high curiosity and students who benefit from gifted education, psychometric instruments used for measuring curiosity could be invaluable in placing students in appropriate educational environments. The study used a mixed methods design to measure epistemic curiosity in gifted and nongifted populations for comparison, as well as conducted interviews to better understand perspectives of curiosity in both populations. If a strong difference between curiosity by giftedness was identified, and no mitigating factors found that might adversely change the reliability of the data, then the author can propose the recommendation that curiosity surveys be included in gifted identification "body of evidence" (BOE) portfolios nationwide. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

The disproportionality of culturally and linguistically diverse learners in exceptional education is an ongoing issue (Bernal, 2002; Ford, 2012). One of these special populations is that of English learners (ELs), who are overrepresented in special education programs and underrepresented in gifted and talented programs (Ford, 2012).The extant literature suggests that a rapid rate of growth in English language proficiency (ELP) may be one of the characteristics used to indicate giftedness in English learners (Brulles, Castellano, & Laing, 2011; Harris, Plucker, Rapp, & Martinez, 2009). However, no studies have analyzed English Language proficiency (ELP) growth trajectories of gifted ELs. This study explored the growth in English language proficiency of 4,558 ELs, of which 118 were identified as gifted. Scores from the Comprehensive English Language Learning Assessment (CELLA), were used to determine their typical English language proficiency growth trajectories of ELs. This was done using latent growth curve modeling. The growth trajectories were then analyzed to determine if differences existed in the trajectories of ELs identified as gifted. The findings were that differences did exist in the English language proficiency growth of ELs identified as gifted, particularly in the areas of listening/speaking and writing, where gifted ELs seem to grow at a more rapid rate than their non-identified peers. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

This dissertation employs a series of literary genres to navigate the reader through the importance of complicating normalized notions of giftedness and Latina identity as well as the interrogating the complexity of subjectivities. Using post qualitative inquiry (St. Pierre, 2014), I blend writing practices typically used in fiction and in theoretical inquiry. Fiction writing such as narratives, scriptwriting, poetry, visual-art, journaling, and poetry are implemented to analyze and represent the individuals in this inquiry. This dissertation consists of three Acts and an Intermission to carry the reader through the various stages of my inquiry. Through writing the dissertation in this manner, I highlight the discursive, cultural, and political structures that construct subjectivity and dismantle the modes of representation utilized in research. I employ Judith Butler (1990) to undo giftedness and reimagine the field of gifted and talented education. This inquiry highlights the means through which Latina identity is discursively constructed through sociocultural and political norms within gifted and talented classrooms and exposes how these learners disrupt ready-made constructions of Latina identity through subversive acts. Constructing a collective identity for these learners is problematic as the complexity of individual subjectivity makes it impossible to envision the Latina population as a homogenous group. Additionally, although the norms for giftedness that are embedded in the US school system possess a shaping impact on student subjectivity, giftedness ought to be viewed as a discursive construction. As these students reveal and have constructed through their experiences both inside and outside of the classroom, giftedness stretches beyond our normative perceptions within the United States. Through cultural translation (Butler, 2004), educators and curriculum theorists can begin to rethink static notions of giftedness by creating a new lexicon to dismantle the dominant discourses and hegemony of gifted education. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine gifted adolescents' perspectives on motivation in regard to academic learning experiences. Participants were selected based on having at least one year of attendance at a midwestern private school for the gifted, having a full-scale IQ of at least 125, and being between the ages of 11--17. This study focused on six gifted adolescents who committed to participating in one personal interview, completing two student response journals, and submitting work samples with reflection tags that were found to be examples of motivational academic learning experiences. Data from the interviews, student response journals, and student work samples with tags were analyzed using qualitative methods and through the theoretical framework of Gagne's Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent as well as expectancy-value theory. From the triangulation of data, three major findings emerged. The first indicated that standard, mass-produced basal curricula does not meet the needs of gifted adolescent learners without additional modifications, indicating a need for specialized gifted curricula. The second focused on the need for ongoing training for educators who work with gifted adolescents, including instructional strategies and models of gifted education proven effective with gifted learners as well as how to provide meaningful and responsive feedback to gifted adolescents. Finally, the need for gifted adolescents to personally value and connect academic learning experiences to the real world also emerged. Implications and recommendations for the field and for future research primarily include the need for increased awareness and increased funding in the field of gifted education to combat a lack of motivation and underachievement from gifted adolescent learners. Subsequently, recommendations for the field include raising awareness of the unique learning needs of gifted adolescents, creating meaningful professional development for gifted educators, and instituting greater levels of pre-service training in the areas of gifted education and differentiation for all educators. Areas for future research include further examination of educational policy regarding gifted education, how to increase gifted adolescents' valuation of academic learning experiences, and an examination of preparation requirements for teachers of the gifted, as well as how to write, market, and support specialized gifted curricula. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Identifying gifted students early is important so they may receive adaptations in their learning environment including admittance into gifted programs (Subotnik, Olszweski-Kubilius, & Worrell, 2012). An effective method to increase the likelihood of identifying gifted students is needed (Pfeiffer, 2003). Admission at the elementary level primarily uses the individually-administered intelligence test; yet, the test is only administered to students nominated to the gifted program. The purpose of this study was to determine if individually-administered IQ test scores were related to specific information available to the elementary school counselor to aid in the determination of unidentified gifted elementary school students who would benefit from participating in the school district's gifted program. This study examined whether an individually-administered IQ score on the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) was accurately estimated by a function of the national percentile achievement test scores in total reading, total mathematics, language, spelling, science/environment, and listening, verbal and nonverbal cognitive abilities, gender, or grade. The data were split into two equal samples of 107, one used for development of the regression model and one for validation of the regression model. A significant model emerged for the model sample (n = 107) explaining 46.3% of the variance, when all 10 independent variables were entered as predictors into a simultaneous multiple regression. Total mathematics, science/environment, listening, nonverbal cognitive ability, and grade were the significant predictors. The revised regression equation with only the five significant contributing independent variables explained 45.9% of the variance in the WASI score; yet, it only had a correlation of .27 between the actual WASI score and the estimated WASI score from the revised model using the validation sample and has a weak correlation of 7.3% of the variance explained. Future research is needed to investigate these findings before the model is used in practice. Research on identifying gifted students; characteristics of giftedness; implications for counselors in the areas of counseling, school, and career development; and the role of the school counselor in advocacy and action research were discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Parenting stress (PS) is a phenomenon experienced by all parents to varying degrees due to the demands of meeting a child's needs. This distinct type of stress is caused by an imbalance between the perceived demands of parenting and the perceived coping resources available to parents. The construct of twice-exceptionality (2E) is defined as the co-occurrence of giftedness and disability or possessing both high cognitive abilities and at least 1 of 13 potential disabilities identified under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004. The purpose of this study was to understand how PS is experienced by parents of children who have been identified with 2E. The theoretical perspectives of stress appraisal, coping, and attribution guided this study and provided a framework for understanding the lived experiences of parents and the meaning they ascribe to these experiences. The goals of the study were accomplished through in-depth interviews with 13 participants, an extensive literature review, and reflective journaling. Interview data were analyzed using the phenomenological techniques of epoche, bracketing, horizontalization, and imaginative variation, and several relevant themes and subthemes were developed. High levels of PS described by the parents in this study indicate that further research is indicated for better understanding and serving the significant needs of this population. The social implications of this research include raising awareness of PS and 2E; increasing the potential for positive outcomes for children and families; and addressing misconceptions concerning giftedness, gender bias in the perceptions of parental roles, and the impact of PS on family systems. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved)

This investigation addresses five constituents calling, social consequences, imagination, story, and the experience of being gifted. It is grounded in the fundamental human inquiry of identity and purpose and contains both personal and universal answers. Primarily, the author sought to answer one question: How did imagination and story reveal and develop my personal narrative? This led her to Hillman's (1997) contention that our true biography the destiny written into our metaphoric acorn has been stolen. Three questions arose from the primary question used to organize the literature review: (a) How has the use of this knowledge affected my understanding of the evolution of the human story? (b) What evidence is there to identify when our species developed imagination? and (c) Why is imagination undervalued? There were four sub-questions answered through the personal data: (a) How is a quest or calling revealed? (b) Why is the phenomenon of Neverland essential to human well-being? (c) How did social forces impede the expression of imagination and the process of the original human story? and (d) What does it mean to be gifted? The method chosen for this work was autoethnography, which, according to Bochner and Ellis (2016), exists in a space between many apparent polarities including facts and meanings,objectivity and subjectivity, and art and science in what Reed-Danahay (1997) explained was how we come to know, name, and interpret personal and cultural experiences. The author was the only participant in this study; however, the meaning emerging from the inquiry could be relevant for many. The rationale and significance of this study was based on the assumption that the quality of human lives often suffers when people remain disconnected from experiencing their authentic self. The key finding was that through claiming the state of Neverland, as represented by the Peter Pan story, the author was able to connect with who she is and why she is here. This research allowed the author to reclaim her calling, imagination, and story, and acknowledge her giftedness. The ultimate call is for a new paradigm that welcomes and supports the unfolding human destiny. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)

This qualitative research study sought to understand how Latino parents use parental academic socialization (Hill & Tyson, 2009) and consejos (Delgado-Gaitán, 1994; Alfaro et al., 2014) as forms of home-based parental involvement to converse about education. A phenomenology approach was used to research and analyze data to describe the lived experiences of Latino parents raising academically gifted children middle schoolers while engaging in academic discourse. This study used semi-structured interviews with sixteen Latino participants who were US-born (n = 7) and Mexico-born (n = 9) from a large urban school district in a Midwestern city. The following major themes emerged: 1) parental academic socialization, 2) consejos, and 3) other educational messages. As it pertains to Theme 1, results showed Latino parents instill values, expect their gifted child to study for college, explore high schools and careers, teach responsibility and self-advocacy, and desire for a professional career. In regards to Theme 2, results indicated that Latino parents discuss better opportunities in the US, adolescent witness their parents' adversities, and instill a positive mindset to "do your best" or echarle ganas through the use of storytelling. Theme 3 showed that parents discussed supporting their child and have concerns about friends, physical safety, and their social-emotional challenges related to giftedness. This study contributes new information about how Latino parents utilize parental academic socialization and consejos to convey the importance of education and support their child's academic trajectories through developmental and educational perspectives. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

The underrepresentation of Latin students in gifted programs is a serious problem that plagues public schools nationwide. Traditionally, teachers' nomination is the most frequent method used for identifying students for gifted programs. Seeking to understand how teachers' perceptions of giftedness influenced the nomination of potentially gifted Latin students, this qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with eight participants and a follow-up focus group in a Midwestern urban district. The researcher used a hermeneutic phenomenological approach as part of the analytical framework. This research identified several major findings: 1) most participants had narrow and subjective definitions of giftedness that varied based on their levels of training and teaching experience, but none of the participants' definitions were culturally inclusive. However, their conceptual definitions of giftedness did not necessarily mirror their description of robust referral and teaching practices; 2) teachers' perceptions of potentially gifted Latin students influenced the nomination process that varied due to their different biases and cultural models; 3) Latin parents were not involved in the nomination process and most teachers did not appear to value their participation. Some teachers expressed a deficit perspective of these families and students; 4) all participants increased the nomination of potentially gifted Latin students using traditional and nontraditional assessment tools; 5) three out of the four schools lacked adequate programming to meet the needs of potentially gifted Latin students.Key terms: underrepresentation, giftedness, teachers' perceptions, identification. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Background: English Learners (ELs) are vastly underrepresented in gifted and talented (GT) programs compared to their peers in other mainstream populations. ELs are a growing population in the nation's public-school system. Although this population is seeing growth at a fast pace, the enrollment of ELs in gifted programming continues to lag. Existing methods of identifying students with gifts and talents rely on the use of standardized testing to measure general intelligence (Beyer & Johnson, 2014). Further, classroom teachers often serve as gatekeepers to gifted identification, with teacher nominations commonly used as a referral tool in the process. Given this, both the methods for evaluating students for GT programs and implicit bias on behalf of teachers can serve as a barrier to identifying gifted English learners. Purpose: The study examined existing gifted identification practices in Region 4 (R4) districts and their impact on the number of ELs identified for GT programs. RQs: 1.) What are current practices in identifying students for gifted programming among a sample of districts in R4? 2.) What are the differences in the percentage of ELs identified for GT programs using the various identification practices? Methods: Descriptive data from school districts in R4 and their GT procedures was utilized. R4 represents the Houston area and serves a diverse population of more than 1.2 million students. Fourteen school districts in R4 were identified as the sample for this study based on specific criteria. Data collected from districts about their use of various methods and processes to identify giftedness was described. Descriptive data provided a general overview of GT identification practices within R4. Linear regression was used to analyze data. Results: Descriptive statistics showed that disparities existed in R4 in the percentages of both GT enrollment and ELs in GT. One-half of the sample has EL enrollment that ranges from 20%-40%. The sample relies heavily on the use of ability testing along with parent and teacher ratings. Variance was found in the utilization of achievement testing. A linear regression found that the percentage of ELs enrolled in a school district was significant in determining the number of ELs subsequently identified as GT. A second linear regression showed that the use of achievement testing did not have a significant impact on the number of ELs identified for GT. Conclusion: R4 has a disproportionate representation of ELs in GT programs. R4 struggles with meeting the needs of its largest sub-population, as GT enrollment is not indicative of enrollment trends of the region. Existing identification practices serve as a barrier for equitable representation in GT programs. School districts with high enrollment rates of ELs also saw higher rates of ELs in GT. Literature supports that the use of achievement testing measures the concepts its intended to, but fails to comprehensively identify giftedness in the various ways it may manifest. Expanding universal screening procedures is an implication for practice while further research should focus on the rate of language acquisition as a factor to determine giftedness in ELs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Leaders influence their surroundings in many ways. In companies, leaders impact work satisfaction, commitment, and engagement (Kouzes & Posner, 2015). In schools, leaders affect student behavior and learning outcomes (Wallace, 2006). Utilizing the Productive Giftedness Model (Paik, 2013, 2015), the present research examines the individual aptitude, instructional, and environmental factors that influence the development of young leaders in Indonesia. Participants in the study were recruited by Indonesia Mengajar, a highly selective intervention program in Indonesia which aims to improve educational conditions around the nation through the mobilization and equipping of local stakeholders. In order to examine leader development from the early to later years, the study uses a mixed-method approach that includes an online survey and a structured interview. Findings from the study demonstrate that leaders are made through a combination of opportunity, support, and resources. Most importantly, findings point to the integral role parents and schools play in the development of leaders and leader-related skills. Parents, educators and policymakers should ensure that every child has access to favorable conditions that will help cultivate leader-related skills from an early age. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)

Given the historic underrepresentation of minority and low-income students in gifted programs, this study sought to address the unique characteristics of the gifted student while also considering the uniqueness of the student’s school community. The initial design compared the use of dynamic intellectual assessment to traditional (or static) assessment for identifying eligibility in such programs.COVID-19 restrictions determined a redesign, since this national emergency precluded access to school buildings by students, staff, and families, which meant the comparison of assessment instruments would not be possible. As a result, a qualitative case study was employed, examining related research questions important to the problem of underrepresentation among minority and low-income students.The research question is as follows: In a school serving a predominantly African American community, how do stakeholders describe what they see in children who reveal a “gifted spark”? What do stakeholders identify as resources that nurture children with potential gifts and talents and what do they see as obstacles? Interviews were conducted with teachers, parents, and administrators via the Zoom online platform.Findings suggest that stakeholder perceptions understand giftedness as evident in a variety of realms including intellectual ability, academic achievement, creativity, and leadership. Participants also proposed the possibility of a “leadership community” to nurture the gifted student within the school community, where there is no designated “gifted” program. The study contributes to the literature in conceptualizing giftedness from the perspective of teachers, administrators, and parents in an educational setting serving a high population of Black/African-American students. It points to strategies and resources for addressing the problem of underrepresentation, including the use of alternative assessment instruments. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Gifted college students often arrive at universities with high GPAs and/or ACT/SAT scores. Their achievements in extracurricular activities such as in the arts, athletics, service, and leadership are well beyond the average student. To admissions representatives and faculty, these students look well-adjusted and successful on paper. However, many of these gifted college students come with unique challenges that go misunderstood, ignored, and underserved during their years in higher education—specifically involving their mental health. There are copious amounts of literature on gifted K-12 students and their mental health behaviors but very limited research done on the gifted college student population. Although gifted research declines after the twelfth grade, giftedness does not end as those students age. Along with being gifted, some of these individuals also experience mental health issues throughout their lifetimes. When giftedness and mental health overlap, the individual is considered twice-exceptional. Twice-exceptionality includes physical and learning disabilities, but the term can also describe a person who has a mental health diagnosis that coincides with their giftedness. Because twice-exceptional individuals tend to mask their mental health issues very well, it is difficult to identify that they need support—especially when they are in college. With my professional experience in honors education, I came to realize some of these twice-exceptional college experiences and stories have never been heard. The purpose of my dissertation is to bring these narratives into the light with the hopes of more widespread understanding of their specific needs. In order to understand the trends and challenges of twice-exceptional college students, I present a literature review as well as identify research gaps. Using a qualitative research design, I shape interview questions for my participants that illustrate their past experiences with growing up as twice-exceptional along with their present journeys as twice-exceptional college students. I use narrative and discourse analysis to bring their experiences and voices together in conversation with one another to give readers a clearer picture of what it is like to be a twice-exceptional college student. As a result of this analysis, my study culminates in better understanding the twice-exceptional student experience in terms of their behaviors, academic performance, social lives, and the intersectionality of their gender. My participants also gave insight into how universities can better support this student population through honors education programs, holistic academic advising, counseling and support groups, as well as more flexibility and understanding from university administration, faculty, and staff. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Around six percent of students in the United States receive some sort of gifted educational programming. School must think about how giftedness is defined and measured in order to make decisions regarding which students receive such programming (Pfeiffer, 2015). Ability testing remains one of the most common identification practices in schools (McClain & Pfeiffer, 2012) . This is because ability tests are thought to be a measure of academic potential (Chapmann, 1988). Consistent relationships exist between individually-administered ability tests and academic achievement (Caemmerer, Maddocks, Keith, & Reynolds, 2018; Deary, Strand, Smith & Fernandes, 2007; Kaufman, Reynolds, Liu, Kaufman & McGrew, 2012). Group-administered ability tests provide an efficient, cost-effective, alternative to traditional intelligence tests when assessing students for gifted programming (Cao, Jung, & Lee, 2017). However, research associating group-ability tests and academic achievement tests is limited, and their ability to measure students' academic potential has not fully been explored. This study targeted this gap in literature by exploring ability–achievement relationships between two commonly administered group-ability tests, the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) (Lohman, 2012) and the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) (Naglieri, 2018), and individual academic achievement in Reading and Mathematics as measured by performance on the Weschler Individual Achievement Test, Third Edition (WIAT-III) (Weschler, 2009). This study in Seventy-five second-eighth grade students who had received group-ability testing through their local schools or a university training clinic received follow-up educational testing with the WIAT-III. Using regression analysis, this study found that both the NNAT and the CogAT relate to academic achievement in reading and mathematics. Furthermore, the three distinct batteries of the CogAT (Verbal, Quantitative, and Nonverbal) were found to differentially relate to reading and mathematics achievement. The findings from this study provide support for the use of these group-administered ability tests as a measure of academic potential which may be useful in the identification of students eligible for gifted programming. Schools should consider these findings, amongst other student characteristics, when making educational placement decisions based upon students' performance on these group-administered assessments. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved)