Identifying Gifted Students: A Step-by-Step Guide

by Susan K. Johnsen, Frances A. Karnes

This publication provides directors and coordinators of programs for gifted and talented students with a specific step-by-step plan for developing an identification procedure in a school or school district. While the sections of this publication are laid out sequentially according to the steps, identification is an ongoing process. The goal of identification is to ensure that every gifted and talented student who needs a program that is different from the general education curriculum receives one that is matched to his or her specific characteristics.

Perfect for anyone seeking a concise introduction to the identification of gifted students, this book is designed to offer administrators, teachers, and parents an overview of the critical issues in building effective identification procedures. This book overviews definitions and characteristics of gifted students, qualitative and quantitative assessment, using multiple assessments, identification procedures, and decision making about placement. This is one of the books in Prufrock Press’ popular Practical Strategies Series in Gifted Education. This series offers a unique collection of tightly focused books that provide a concise, practical introduction to important topics concerning the education of gifted children. The guides offer a perfect beginner’s introduction to key information about gifted and talented education.

82 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2005

About the author

Susan K. Johnsen, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at Baylor University. She directs the Ph.D. program, and programs related to gifted and talented education. She is past-president of the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented. She is editor of Gifted Child Today; coauthor of the Independent Study Program, RTI for Gifted Students, Using the National Gifted Education Standards for University Teacher Preparation Programs, Using the National Gifted Education Standards for PreK–12 Professional Development; and author of more than 200 articles, monographs, technical reports, and other books related to gifted education.