Best Practices and Perceptions of Elementary Administrators to Address the Underrecognition of Culturally, Linguistically, and Economically Diverse Students in Gifted and Talented Education Programs
Year: 2024
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This study addressed the problem of the underrecognition of culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse (CLED) elementary school student populations in gifted and talented (GT) programs in the United States.The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to identify to what administrators in exemplar schools in the United States attribute the equitable recognition of CLED students in their GT programs.Critical race theory (CRT) informed this study and was supported by an appreciative inquiry approach.The research questions explored equitable recognition and best practices described to encourage equitable recognition of CLED students in GT programs.Elementary school administrators who served in schools with equitable recognition of CLED elementary student populations in GT education programs were targeted for participation.Data were collected via semistructured interviews with seven participants who met the criteria of (a) being elementary school administrator leaders (principals, assistant principals, teacher leaders), (b) managing and supporting GT programs, and (c) having 3 or more years of experience in their role.Data analysis involved the use of a priori and open coding to identify codes, categories, and themes.The emergent themes were (a) equity-focused leadership dispositions; (b) equitable GT best practices, awareness, and responsiveness to the needs of CLED students; and (c) equity and GT-focused professional development.The findings of this study may contribute to positive social change by informing education stakeholders of practices and leadership dispositions to cultivate and recognize giftedness in CLED students, potentially diversifying GT education programs to equitable levels.
Source: ScholarWorks (Walden University)
Author: Richardson, Marson S
Institution: Walden University
Language: English
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7008232213