Professional Resources



Differentiation of Curriculum for the Gifted

The Differentiated Classroom:  Responding to the Needs of All Learners, Carol Ann Tomlinson A readable text for understanding the complexity of differentiation, this book provides examples of basic principles from primary, elementary, middle and high school classrooms. Educators
Teaching Gifted Kids in the Regular Classroom, Susan Winebrennar If elementary or middle school teachers only have one book as a resource, this would be my top recommendation. It gives clear explanations of management tools for differentiation, and lots of usable formats for using those tools. Very teacher friendly at all grade levels! Educators
Gifted Students in Secondary Schools:  Differentiating the Curriculum, Miraca U.M. Gross, Bronwyn Sleap and Marilyn Pretorius This would be my #1 recommendation for high school teachers or all subjects but math. Written by and for high school teachers, this book gives an overview, though brief, of the principles and management of differentiation for the gifted, then gives excellent examples of curricula developed using 5 models – Maker, Bloom/Krathwohl, Kaplan, Taylor and Williams. Very teacher friendly! Educators
Independent Study Program, Susan Johnsen and Kay Johnson Addressing such issues as classroom management and step-by-step instructions for how to create an independent study program (for one student or a whole school), this invaluable resource focuses on teaching research skills, developing the independent study, and evaluation. Educators


Social/Emotional Needs and Special Populations of the Gifted

Underachievement Syndrome: Causes and Cures, Sylvia B. Rimm This comprehensive and practical resource on underachievement is an excellent book for parents and educators. It presents the complex causes and patterns of underachievement, as well as Dr. Rimm’s “Trifocal Approach” of involving the student, parents and educational setting. Very specific tools and strategies are given to match different profiles of underachieving students. Educators/Parents
The Gifted Kids Survival Guide, Judy Galbraith Intended as a book for students ages 11-18 (another version is for younger students), this very readable book is also a good resource for guidance counselors and parents. It presents from a very empathetic view the emotional and social complexities of being gifted, and gives students concrete strategies for dealing with them. Middle/High Students/Educators
Get Off My Brain:  A Survival Guide for Lazy Students, Randall McCutcheon Addressed to kids who are experiencing (or considering) underachievement in school, this kid-friendly book gives students concrete ways of dealing with their feelings, their fears, their poor study habits and their social interactions. It gives excellent advice on how to make school a place where you want to be and learn, with suggestions parents would make if kids were still listening! Middle/High Students/Educators/Parents
To Be Gifted & Learning Disabled, Susan Baum, Steve Owen and John Dixon This resource for teachers describes the complexity of defining learning disabled/gifted, gives specific tools for identification of their needs, and presents strategies for addressing these needs. It is easy to read and use. Educators/Parents
Up From Underachievement:  How teachers, students and parents can work together to promote student success, Diane Heacox Filled with student, parent and teacher checklists, this resource offers nine profiles of underachievement, and offers a myriad of strategies for parents and educators. Educators/Parents


Thinking Skills and Brain Research

Teaching with the Brain in Mind, Eric Jensen An excellent overview of current brain research and its applications to the classroom, this book addresses issues such as motivation, memory, stress and emotions and their effect on learning. Educators
Critical Thinking Handbooks K-3; 4-6; 6-9; or High School, Available from the Center for Critical Thinking and Moral Critique These excellent resources present Dr. Richard Paul’s 35 Strategies for Infusing Thinking into the Existing Curricula by remodeling lesson plans. In addition to explanations and examples of each strategy, model lesson plans are given in their original, then remodeled form, for each subject area.   These resources can be ordered from the Center for Critical Thinking and Moral Critique, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA 94928. (707) 664-2940. Educators
Completing the Puzzle:  The Brain-Compatible Approach, Eric Jensen Excellent source of both current brain research and practical applications. Educators  
44 Intelligence Builders for Every Student:  Exercises to Expand Multiple Intelligences in Your Classroom, David Lazear Zephyr Press. Educators
Math for Humans: Teaching Math Through 7 Intelligences, Mark Wahl In addition to giving informative background information on the theory of multiple intelligences, this book gives very practical strategies for addressing all intelligences through mathematics, including ideas for dealing with math anxiety and assessment.  It contains over 90 engaging activities on ready-to-go masters. Educators
Cooking Projects That Make Kids Think, Darlene Freeman Written for use in primary classrooms, this book uses cooking as a means of addressing specific critical thinking skills. Large print and blackline masters make it an excellent resource for tiered assignments or learning centers. Educators