CONCLUSION

I chose to research this topic because unfortunately I do not have a great deal of experience in the area of gifted education. Taking a course in gifted education was not mandatory in university. I think it is important for every teacher to have some sort of education on the subject because at some point in their career they will come across a case of giftedness. That being said, I also believe in the importance of a well-rounded math education for teachers as well. I enjoy math, and I hope to pass this passion along to my students. But what about teachers who are not comfortable teaching the subject? Will their students detect their negative attitudes? Will this negativity transform into a hate for math?
How important are educators attitudes and beliefs, and how might they impact our students?

Recognizing students, as being gifted is so important in their education. “All students should have the right to exercise their talents to the fullest potential” (Glass, 2004 p.28). This is our job as teachers and we need to make sure with a “no child left behind” policy that we not only give disabled students support to their education, but also gifted students. “Gifted students have taken a back seat to “at risk” students” (Glass, 2004 p.29) A child who is excelling in a class of 20-30 students can so easily get omitted and not given the attention they not only need, but also deserve.
Math is such an important part of a child’s education, it is especially important we not loose any students where can be avoided. Challenging students, and acknowledging their gift can go a long way in a child’s attitude towards the subject.

RESOURCES:
Davis, Gary A. and Rimm, Sylvia B. (2004) Education of the Gifted and Talented: Fifth Edition. Pearson Education Inc.
Elkind, David. (1998) Educating Young Children in Math, Science and Technology.
Glass, Tempus Fugit. (2004) What Gift? The Reality of the Student Who is Gifted and Talented in Public School Classrooms. Vol 27 No. 4 pp 25-29.
Johnson, Dana T. (2000) Teaching Mathematics to Gifted Students in a Mixed-Ability Classroom. Retrieved on November 22, 2011 from http://www.vtaide.com/png/ERIC/gifted-Math.htm