What is Gifted Education?
It's part of human nature to want to learn, to be in that place where we can grow intellectually, emotionally and creatively. We want to feel challenged, to move beyond where we are and toward our innate potential, to test our limits. Abraham Maslow, the well-known humanistic psychologist, called this the tendency toward self-actualization, and viewed it as an essential human drive.
Children need to feel challenged. In order to stay engaged, interested and excited about learning, they need the opportunity to explore, create, grow and go off in their own directions. Gifted programs exist to support students who need a different kind of learning experience - where they can work at an accelerated pace, on an advanced level academically, and to be around others with similar needs.
Giftedness has to do with how you approach things, how you learn, and your potential for learning. Giftedness means you are biologically wired to view the world in a certain way. Giftedness is about potential and attributes - "just viewing the world through a different lens". Therefore, a person's giftedness influences how they interact with the world.
Being identified as gifted is neither a good thing or a bad thing. It simply is. The label doesn't define you - the characteristics you display everyday do. The key is to learn how to manage those things - especially hard things such as emotional intensity, peer interactions, expectations - yours and from the people around you. Gifted education exists to provide students the tools they need for a successful journey.
Supplies, Events, Permission Forms:
The Joplin Elementary Gifted Center is located on the 3rd floor of the Memorial Education Center at 8th and Pearl. It services grades 2nd - 5th. When visiting, please come in the West entrance.
Faculty:
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Wendee Hughes - 2nd/3rd
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Nina English - 4th/5th
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Kasey Pliler - Director
Supply List:
Lunch Menu:
*Sack lunches available
at home schools
Upcoming Events:
*Click on image for 2025/2026 "Welcome Letter"
MO GLOS
An "Investigative Unit" in a gifted education context is designed to allow students to engage in in-depth, inquiry-based learning, focusing on a specific topic or theme. This unit will challenge gifted students to explore complex concepts, develop critical thinking skills, and engage in creative problem-solving.
Key Characteristics of an Investigative Unit for Gifted Students:
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Inquiry-Based:
Units are built around questions that spark curiosity and encourage students to seek answers through research, experimentation, and analysis. -
Open-Ended:
They offer flexibility and allow students to explore ideas in multiple ways, fostering divergent thinking and creativity. -
Differentiated:
They provide opportunities for students to move beyond basic level learning and delve deeper into topics of interest, often at their own pace and with a choice of how they express their learning. -
Real-World Connections:
Units often connect classroom learning to real-world problems and issues, making the material more relevant and engaging for students. -
Cross-Curricular:
They may integrate concepts from multiple subjects, promoting interdisciplinary learning and a more holistic understanding of the topic. -
High-Level Thinking:
They encourage higher-order thinking skills such as analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and application of knowledge. -
Independent Study:
They can incorporate independent research and project-based learning, allowing students to develop self-directed learning skills.
