Digest of Gifted Research

Welcome to the Digest of Gifted Research (formerly Duke Gifted Letter), published by the Duke University Talent Identification Program. The Digest is a trusted resource for research-based information about raising and educating academically talented children.

College Won't Wait—Start Planning Early

Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 16:26

Gifted youth need to start planning for college before the eighth grade. Why so early, when most teens don’t start until their junior or senior year? Because they need to develop an academic plan for course selection in middle school and high school. Parents, you should help with these plans and continue to discuss goals throughout your child’s secondary school career.

Gifted students should take the most difficult group of courses they can manage without burning out.

Classes: What to Take, What to Take?

Gifted students should take the most difficult group of courses they can manage without burning out. If options for advanced courses are limited...

College Planning with LD and/or ADD

Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 16:24

The college admissions process gives rise to great excitement, adventure, and struggle for all kids. If your child has learning disabilities (LD) and/or attention deficit disorder (ADD), the process becomes even more challenging. Every family needs to ask prospective colleges myriad questions, but you will need to ask more. The more specific information you gather early on, the easier the task will be.

Work in partnership with your teen’s resource teachers and counselors to generate lists of support services and techniques that they use now. For example, if your child uses note takers, ask prospective colleges what type of note taking services they offer. Also ask these questions...

Should 7th Graders Take SAT or ACT Prep Courses?

Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 16:20

Qualifying for a seventh-grade talent search, such as the one offered by Duke University or Johns Hopkins University, is a distinct honor. At the same time, taking either the SAT or the ACT—tests designed for college-bound high school students—at the age of 12 or 13 can be daunting and anxiety-provoking for both student and parent.

Parents of seventh-graders frequently ask whether it is beneficial for their child to take an SAT or ACT prep course. Review courses such as those offered by Kaplan and the Princeton Review promise higher scores by providing test-taking strategies, familiarity with the tests, practice tests, and diagnostic feedback.

At first blush, it’s hard not...

Spring 2001 Book Reviews

Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 16:08

Uniquely Gifted: Identifying and Meeting the Needs of the Twice-Exceptional Student, edited by Kiesa Kay. Avocus, 2000. Paperback, 356 pp., ISBN 1-890765-04-X. $34.95

In this collection of articles, combinations of giftedness and learning disabilities (such as dysgraphia, autism, and attention deficit disorder) are explored from the perspectives of family members, teachers, researchers, and administrators. By reading the personal stories, teaching strategies, research and theory, and administrative options that are presented, those involved with gifted, learning-disabled students can gain valuable...

Is Our Son Overextended?

Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 15:57

Parent Question: Our son is involved in a number of extracurricular activities. He is on a travel soccer team, plays violin, works on the school newspaper, and participates in a church teen program. We’ve noticed a decline in his attention to homework and studying and worry that he may be overextended. Is he doing too much?

John Curry: Generally, it’s a positive sign when adolescents are involved in activities such as sports, music, and religious youth groups. However, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. There has been increased interest in the topic of overscheduling young people at the cost of unstructured, enjoyable time.

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