Webinar | When Smart Kids Underachieve in School: Practical Solutions for Teachers

Facilitator

Join Todd Stanley
Author, National Board Certified Teacher, and Gifted Services Coordinator

Description

Join Todd Stanley, an experienced educator and author of the influential book "When Smart Kids Underachieve in School," for a comprehensive webinar that delves into the critical issue of underachievement among gifted students. Stanley, drawing from his extensive background in gifted education, defines underachievement as the discrepancy between a child's potential and their actual academic performance. He challenges the common misconception that underachievement is solely related to poor grades, illustrating how gifted students can achieve high grades while still underachieving by "playing the game" of school without truly developing their potential.

Stanley shares poignant anecdotes, such as his experience with a student named Mitch, who consistently earned good grades without exerting effort, and another student, Mike, whose academic trajectory was transformed through Stanley's guidance, ultimately leading him to attend Harvard. These stories underscore the essential role of personal relationships and the "caring factor" in the educational journey of gifted students. Stanley emphasizes that supportive teacher-student relationships can significantly alter a student's academic outcomes, drawing parallels with historical figures like Albert Einstein, who benefited from mentorship and emotional support.

The webinar also explores the underlying causes of underachievement, including boredom, anxiety about failure, lack of intrinsic motivation, and a disconnect with peers. Stanley highlights the importance of differentiating instruction and providing appropriately challenging material to engage gifted students and help them develop resilience. He addresses the misconception that underachieving students are lazy, explaining that failure to engage and challenge these students can lead to this erroneous classification.

Stanley offers several actionable strategies for educators to combat underachievement among gifted learners. These strategies include:

- Acceleration: Allowing gifted students to pursue advanced coursework that aligns with their ability level.
- Cluster Grouping: Creating a learning environment comprised exclusively of gifted students to foster a sense of belonging.
- Independent Research Projects: Enabling students to explore areas of personal interest through independent studies that culminate in presentations.
- Mentorship Programs: Pairing students with mentors who share their interests for personalized guidance and encouragement.
- Personalized Assessment: Using alternative assessment methods, such as video projects instead of traditional essays, to engage students and demonstrate knowledge in a manner that suits them.
- Caring Culture: Establishing a classroom environment where mistakes are seen as growth opportunities, fostering a growth mindset.

Stanley discusses the notion of the "game of school," where some students choose not to engage due to a lack of perceived value in traditional activities and assessments. He recognizes the challenge of motivating students through grades and underscores the need for personalized educational experiences that ignite passion for learning.

In conclusion, Todd Stanley's webinar provides a comprehensive framework for educators grappling with underachievement among gifted learners. By fostering caring relationships, promoting individualized learning, and mitigating the rigid structures of traditional assessments, educators can empower gifted students to maximize their potential. Stanley advocates for empathy, understanding, and innovation in educational practices, ensuring that every gifted student has the opportunity to thrive. The dialogue accentuates the importance of addressing the underlying causes of underachievement while promoting strategies that resonate with the unique needs and interests of gifted learners.