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Young Scholars

The Young Scholars model is designed to find and nurture advanced academic potential in students from historically underrepresented populations in gifted education. Although Young Scholars began in Title I schools, there are Young Scholars in every school. The intentional focus around the three As: ACCESS, AFFIRMATION, & ADVOCACY guide this work with curricular interventions and ongoing opportunities with support provided through the collaboration of the classroom teacher and the Advanced Academics Coach. As students progress through elementary and secondary school, support and opportunities for accessing gifted services and rigorous, engaging opportunities are provided by school staff. Cultural responsive teaching, equity in access and services, and finding and nurturing Young Scholars work simultaneously to shift mindsets to strength-based teaching rather than deficit thinking.

students conducting a science experiment

The model has four essential components:

Committed Professionals

Leadership of school principals
Collaboration among teachers and specialists
Advocates for Young Scholars

Find/Identify

Observations/Conversations
Performance Assessments
Portfolios of Learning
Nonverbal Ability Tests
Standard Achievement Tests

Nurture, Guide, and Support

Cluster Young Scholars
Culturally responsive teaching
Challenging and engaging curricular experiences
Pair with Teachers who have high expectations
Flexible grouping and ongoing assessments

Essential Elements

Ongoing professional learning for teachers
Differentiated curriculum and instruction for advanced learners
Parent/guardian involvement and support