Providing an optimal school context for talent development: an extended curriculum program in practice

Abstract

Developing the talents of academically able students in government secondary schools in Victoria, Australia, has recently gained support through the expansion of Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) Programs. In the private sector, a similar expansion of interest in talent development has occurred through the development and implementation of individually focused programs. This paper discusses an evaluative study undertaken in a private school in Melbourne, Australia during 2005. The evaluation involved the school's Extended Curriculum Program (ECP), which had been developed and introduced in 1999. The ECP was largely informed by the literature and teachings of American psychologist and gifted educator, Abraham Tannenbaum. The value and efficacy of the program was investigated from the perspective of students, parents, teachers and Heads of Department and found to be highly regarded by all. Major issues of relevance to emerge from the evaluation included the significant role of the program coordinator, the benefits of specific study in gifted education for staff, and the positive attitudes of involved students.