Conceptual Foundations
The conceptual and practical systems and methods of IDEAL4Gifted were created by Dr. Stewart, our Chief Academic Officer. It is a synthesis of educational excellence based on the work of the most eminent leaders and researchers in the field of gifted education and the work of other leaders in the field of general education, creativity, psychology, intelligence theory, and pedagogical practices.
Standards
IDEAL4Gifted follows the standards of the National Association for Gifted Children in both performance standards and teacher preparation. We also benchmark to MA public school education. We strive to ensure students do not have gaps in the basic content.
For subject-specific standards, we follow the guidelines from the national associations for each subject area. For example, for math, we use the NCTM Principles and guidelines as touchstones to ensure that we are consistent with each discipline’s professional suggestions.
It is our goal to have students working in their “zone of proximal development” which is the sweet spot where things are challenging but not frustrating or boring. They learn not only the curriculum content but also “learning how to learn” skills that include persistence, struggle, time management, and getting help.
We strive to nurture the students’ natural love of learning with creative and caring teachers, an interesting curriculum that is suited to the needs, strengths, and interests of our exceptional students. We encourage exploration, problem-solving, higher-order thinking, and creativity; as well as positive social and emotional growth.
Our classes are taught by live teachers who interact face-to-face with real students all the time. Classes are small so each student gets sufficient attention with authentic interactions and dynamics. We not only have instructors but also student support teachers. A student always has our support. Lessons and assignments happen during the school day so students are free to do activities in their community the rest of the time. We use texts, videos, articles, reference materials of many kinds, and appropriate learning games. We value and encourage creative thinking and multiple ways to get a solution.