REACH Goals

1. Provide challenging curriculum that aligns with and extends beyond the regular classroom curriculum. According to the Indiana Department of Education Service Options for Students with High Abilities in Indiana, "If students of high ability are to make continuous intellectual growth and 'adequate yearly progress' as defined by No Child Left Behind, then students of high ability must be taught curriculum that ensures they will learn something new every day."

2. Provide support for the unique social and emotional needs of high ability students. According to Robinson, Shore, & Enersen in Best Practices in Gifted Education (2007), "...it must be understood there are unique stresses and dynamic issues associated with a person's giftedness. It is important to consider all of the dimensions of a gifted child's life: academic, self-concept, social skills and well-being, emotional health and talent maturation."

3. Provide professional development opportunities to train those working with high ability students on how to meet their needs. As stated in Gifted Program Standards a publication by the National Association for Gifted Children, "Gifted education is a specialized field of study. Teaching gifted learners reflects particular knowledge and competencies. Therefore, those who are most qualified to teach gifted learners are those who have participated in a gifted education professional development program."

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