What Works: 20 Years of Curriculum Development and Research

This document highlights “what works” based on the curriculum development and research work of the Center for Gifted Education during the past 20 years. Research findings include the areas of curriculum development, instruction, assessment, and professional development. Through the use of the Integrated Curriculum Model as a template for design, coupled with curriculum reform emphases in content areas, the Center curriculum has produced positive outcomes in student achievement and teacher use of differentiated strategies. This document is available for download.(pdf)

Leading Change in Gifted Education

Honoring the leadership of Dr. Joyce Van Tassel-Baska, this book includes major strands of work central to defining the field of gifted education and discusses relevant trends and issues that have shaped or will shape the field. This comprehensive resource outlines three major sections: conceptions in gifted education such as intelligence, creativity, and eminence; linkage of theory to practice through curriculum and instruction, professional development, and assessment; and the infrastructure of gifted education that relies on research, policy, and leadership directions within and outside the field. Showcasing contributions from leading senior scholars in gifted education, this book is sure to be an invaluable resource for policymakers, scholars, researchers, and practitioners who are interested in research-based practices to better serve gifted students. Available from Prufrock Press.

March 13, 2009: Approximately 100 hundred people gathered at William & Mary on March 13 to celebrate the work of Joyce VanTassel-Baska, the Jody and Layton Smith Professor of Education and executive director of William & Mary's Center for Gifted Education. View the story.

NSTA review of units

The National Science Teachers' Association reviewed two Center-developed science units, Water Works and What's The Matter. "If you're looking for engaging, hands-on investigations for the primary grades, this is a wonderful resource. Although geared toward gifted or high-ability learners, the activities could be adapted to be used with the entire class." Read the entire review at the NSTA site.

Water Works

What's the Matter

Both units are available for purchase from Prufrock Press.

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