In October, the MMS staff kicked off a new professional development series that will focus on underserved and underrepresented gifted students. This will be an ongoing topic throughout the year. The focus will be around serving gifted students who are identified and challenging all students to ensure that all high-potential students are being challenged appropriately to build their talents. Thank you to MMS staff for becoming talents scouts rather than deficit detectives and advocating for gifted and high-potential learners!

Underrepresented- Who is being screened and identified as gifted? What does the representation index look like in the district? Who is not being identified as gifted? Is it equitable to the demographics of the district?

Underserved-those students who are identified, but whose needs are not being met.

Look at the Varied Faces of the Gifted linked below. Do you see these faces in your classrooms?

When you hear the term "Talent Development" you probably think of gifted education, but may wonder how gifted education and talent development differ. Talent Development is inclusive to ALL students and provides services and enrichment for bright students who have needs beyond the typical curriculum. These students may not be formally identified as gifted, but still require challenges in the classroom to develop their talents.

Talent Development Includes:

• Teaching ALL Students Critical Thinking Skills
• Supporting Underrepresented Populations
• Recognizing Non-Academic Talents
• Strength Based Focus
• Interested Based

Check out the @giftedwithgoldens graphic below outlining talent development in every classroom!