We believe we can develop empirically sound identification instruments and systems that will more effectively include students not identified by traditional assessment methods. Accordingly, ore of our priorities will be to seek and create multiple assessment techniques, such as new tests, qualitative and performance-based assessment systems and tools, such as inventories and student profiles, and other non-traditional identification methods.
We believe that we can improve existing programs by conducting research that will assess the impact of various curriculum approaches, methods of grouping gifted and talented students within classrooms and schools, and various ways of meeting the affective needs of these students. We will gather evidence of what works best for the diverse group that constitutes our nation’s gifted and talented students.
We believe that results of effective research should be used to guide policy development for the education for traditionally identified and underserved gifted and talented students. Sound, validated policy is needed at the local, state and national level to implement and maintain programs for this population. The research we conduct will be helpful in developing such policy.
We believe that evaluation can contribute to the improvement of identification practices and program effectiveness. By developing improvement oriented and useful techniques and instruments for evaluating identification and program practices, we will provide instruments, strategies, and supporting documentation for the modification of existing practices.
We believe that future research efforts should be responsive to the needs of a diverse group of consumers. To enable us to respond to these needs, a practitioner-responsive advisory network that provides for systematic input about a future research agenda has been developed. This network will encourage the cooperative efforts and participation of state and local education agencies, institutions of higher education, and other public and private agencies and corporations, including business, industry and labor groups.