The Gifted Onboarding Framework

So, this idea, or should I say passion project, has been in the works for a while now. The more I visit with gifted learners and gifted families, the more I realize that many of them have no idea what giftedness, what it isn't, and what to expect from the gifted journey.  I think now is a good time for us to all get on the same page and begin to consider the importance of providing clarity at the beginning of a gifted learner's journey.

I chose to call this idea Gifted Onboarding because I thought about myself when I began a new job. I stepped right out of the classroom into working for an Education Service Center. I had always been a teacher...I had zero idea what to expect, what was expected of me, and how I would operate in this new role. And then...onboarding to the rescue.  As I sat in my onboarding experience, I learned what my role was, I gained clarity around what the ESC was all about, I met mentors and others at the center that would help when I wasn't sure what to do next, and most importantly, I was familiarized with the culture of the organization. 

To be honest, I still had a lot of questions after onboarding. But, I didn't feel alone and I knew where to go to get answers when they were needed.

Gifted learners don't often get this experience. They take a test, their parents sign a piece of paper, and then gifted services begin.  Sometimes, they are pulled out of their regular classes, sometimes someone comes into their classes, sometimes they go to an entirely different location for the day, or one day, they are just treated differently by their teachers.  It's weird, right?

Enter...The Gifted Onboarding Framework. I designed this as a way for us to consider what must be communicated to both gifted learners and their families as they prepare for their gifted journey.  Let me explain.

There are four pillars - Clarity, Community, Content, and Challenge.

Those four pillars are supported by the foundation of Culture. The four pillars of The Gifted Onboarding Framework should be built upon a culture of curiosity, innovation, and creative thinking that will prepare gifted learners to make a meaningful impact on the world around them. Let's be honest, if that foundation isn't solid, the pillars won't matter much.

Clarity - How will we help gifted learners and their families understand giftedness as they navigate the gifted learning journey?  This pillar reminds us that many of our gifted learners and their families are operating under the assumption that gifted means "smart".  It means "A" honor roll and guaranteed success, right? Absolutely, wrong. There should be clarity about what gifted is, what it isn't, and how it will be served on their campus and in their district.  

Community - How will we create a sense of community that will ensure gifted learners feel seen and supported at school and beyond? This pillar provides the intentionality that is required to help gifted learners remember that they aren't alone. Connecting them with other gifted learners, gifted adults, and support services is an important part of the Gifted Onboarding Framework.

Content - What content will be offered to provide gifted learners with opportunities to explore and engage in new and meaningful learning experiences? In other words, what's inside the shiny gifted services box that many have only seen from the outside and will now be experiencing from the inside? Be transparent about showcases, time commitment, and expectations. Explain what parts of the content will help them grow in their specific giftedness and how life-ready and social-emotional skills will be addressed. Share the "why" behind how gifted learners are served and the content that is being used.  

Challenge - How will we ensure that gifted learners experience productive struggle and are appropriately challenged throughout the school day? This is big. Gifted learners and families need to understand that being challenged is how we grow and that challenge and productive struggle will be a part of their journey.

So, that's it...that's the Gifted Onboarding Framework.  I'm currently working on virtual resources for gifted learners and their families that will be shared soon.  I'm also working on an e-book with specific strategies, resources, and experiences that can be used to bring each pillar to life. So, stay tuned!  Big things are coming...but, this is the start and I wanted to share it with you all first!  Let me know what you think...you can email me at [email protected].  I look forward to continuing to learn with you and I hope this will help us all find a little meaning in the mess.

If you'd like to access the GIFTED ONBOARDING NEWSLETTERS, please click HERE. These were created as a way to communicate and partner with families of gifted learners throughout the school year using the Gifted Onboarding Framework.