Bright sparks - A study of the availability of gifted education programs within Seventh-day Adventist Primary Schools within Australia

This study investigated the provisions made for gifted students in Seventh-day Adventist Primary Schools in Australia, with particular reference to six aspects of gifted education, namely: (1) identification, (2) gender equality, (3) priority, (4) the extent of provision, (5) forms of gifted education, and (6) the qualifications and professional development of teachers in the Adventist Education System.

Data were collected from 27 principals of Adventist Primary Schools in Australia using a survey instrument specifically designed for this study. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were used to analyse the data derived from the survey instrument.

The findings of this study have shown that in the majority of cases, Adventist Primary Schools may not be adequately providing for the needs of gifted children in their care. Although some schools were found to provide better provisions for gifted students than others, many schools failed to even identify minimum expected proportions of gifted students. It was found that an equal overall proportion of males-females were involved in a gifted education program, but that the extent of provision for gifted students was generally quite limited. The various schools identified an awareness of a variety of programming strategies, although these strategies were not always implemented. It was also found that a lack of teacher qualifications and professional development in relation to gifted education was present in many schools.

Recommendations and suggestions for further research are included in the study.

Availability:
Free
Publication Date:
2001
Author:
Rhian R Hebbard
Order Information:
Copy available from SPD Education Office
Language:
English
Resource Type:
Unpublished Plans & Papers
Resource Objective:
Research
Level:
Kindergarten-Grade 12
Audience:
Researcher
Religious Origin:
Seventh-day Adventist