Using in-house experts to support teachers of advanced learners
Supporting the needs of all students in the classroom, including those who are advanced or gifted learners, can be a challenge. The usual solution to this challenge is to differentiate instruction, right? But how? Luckily, every district has in-house experts in supporting advanced learners…your talented and gifted teacher! The majority of talented and gifted students’ needs can be met in the regular classroom when instruction is differentiated to meet their needs. You will find students will be more engaged with the learning when it is differentiated to meet their needs. Talented and gifted teachers are the perfect collaborator to provide your classroom teachers with ideas on how to differentiate instruction to meet advanced learner’s’ needs. They know their students’ strengths and weakness and how they learn best. They are experts in differentiating instruction. Rather than teachers struggling on their own and wasting precious planning time, encourage them to collaborate with the TAG teacher and as a leader. As a leader, don’t be afraid to ask for their support.
Two great resources to support differentiation in the classroom include the following:
Heacox, Diane, et al. Differentiation for Gifted Learners: Going beyond the Basics. Free Spirit Publishing, 2014.
Heacox, Diane. Differentiating Instruction in the Regular Classroom: How to Reach and Teach All Learners. Free Spirit, 2012.
If you have any questions or are in need of support, don’t hesitate to contact one of our TAG consultants: