Here’s a brief summary of what you can expect in these Methodology & Strategy Cards:

1. Interactive Simulations – Designed to engage gifted students through novel, challenging, and multi-disciplinary learning experiences.
2. Curriculum Methodology Cards – Highlight various instructional strategies like project-based learning, problem-based learning, and active questioning to deepen student engagement.
3. Interdisciplinary Studies – Ideas for merging knowledge from different subjects to foster a more holistic understanding of complex topics.
4. Choice Boards and Tiered Lessons – Allow educators to differentiate tasks to match students’ readiness, ensuring that all learners are challenged appropriately.
5. Divergent Thinking and Depth & Complexity Tools – Techniques to encourage higher-order thinking, creativity, and exploration beyond the surface level of topics.
6. Socratic Seminar and SCAMPER Strategies – Support independent thinking and creativity, essential for nurturing gifted learners’ intellectual curiosity.

The Arizona Department of Education has built an Gifted Education Best Practices toolkit with the help of Arizona’s top gifted educators and experts. The Gifted Best Practices Task Force recommends the included resources for subject-specific curricular support and gifted challenges/competitions by interest.

Only 13% of Arizona schools are using available state funding for universal gifted screening—is yours?

Screening all 2nd graders helps identify underrepresented gifted students and ensures equitable access to programs. The ADE provides funding for CogAT testing, but 87% of schools aren’t using it. Use this fact sheet to start the conversation with your administration or school board. Don’t leave funds on the table!