Gifted Education in Ireland

19/12/2014

CTY Ireland at Dublin City University has launched the first-ever report of Irish teachers’ attitudes towards gifted education. The report was prepared by Professor Tracy Cross and Dr. Jennifer Cross from the Center for Gifted Education at the College of William and Mary in Virginia, two of the leading experts in the field of gifted education who have prepared similar reports in various states in America. A questionnaire was administered to schools around the country and more than 800 teachers, principals and resource teachers completed the survey.

The report entitled Gifted Education in Ireland: Educators’ Beliefs and Practices contains some interesting findings:

While most teachers are generally supportive of gifted children, they lack access to specialists in the area to guide them.
Nearly all of the respondents are opposed to grade acceleration for gifted students. Research however shows that this is the most effective way of engaging with high ability students.
42% of the teachers reported that they do have adequate time and support to differentiate their classes for gifted students.
They are no special services available to schools for gifted students in their everyday schooling.
Some teachers do not believe that curricular modification is necessary for gifted students feeling they will do fine in the regular classroom.
Younger teachers often do not understand the needs of gifted students indicating that better teacher training in the area of gifted education is needed for these teachers.
Most teachers will identify gifted students who are quick learners and high achievers but will struggle to identify gifted students who are not performing well and not achieving in school.
Many teachers believe that gifted students mostly come from middle class groups and do not believe that these students can come from lower socio economic backgrounds.
Secondary schools in particular have lower rates of identification, limited opportunities for gifted students and less frequent differentiation.

Dr. Colm O'Reilly, Director CTY Ireland said

"We are delighted with the first ever survey of teachers' attitudes towards gifted education. The results show that most teachers are receptive to supporting the needs of gifted students. However the report highlights the need for better teacher training at both pre-service and in-service levels, the lack of resources available and a certain lack of awareness that gifted students can come from all socio-economic groups."

Dr. Jennifer Cross, Center for Gifted Education, College of William and Mary said

"CTY Ireland, located at Dublin City University, is demonstrating its commitment to students with exceptional ability across the country by partnering with the William and Mary Center for Gifted Education in the US to conduct this study of teachers’ and principals’ attitudes and practices regarding gifted students and gifted education. Many Irish educators would like to provide these students an appropriate education, but there are concerns about resources, training, and equity. With proper resources and training, educators can learn to recognize these students and help them realize their maximum potential. Ireland will benefit from a concerted effort to help educators understand how they can best support these students and to allocate the necessary resources."

The report was launched by Mr Ciaran Cannon TD.