To accomplish the Center’s mission, the following components are as follows:
The Directorate. The Directorate, located at the University of Connecticut, is the major administrative, coordinating, and dissemination unit for all activities.
Participating Universities. The four universities that comprise The National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented are the Universities of Connecticut, Georgia, Virginia, and Yale University. The Associate Directors at the respective universities are Dr. Francis X. Archambault, Dr. Mary M. Frasier, Dr. Carolyn M. Callahan, and Dr. Robert J. Sternberg. They are involved in several studies focusing on identification, program development, program evaluation, culturally diverse populations, classroom practices, curriculum modifications for gifted students, and cognition and learning.
Collaborative School Districts. Over 260 public and non-profit private elementary and secondary school districts representing various ethnic, demographic and socioeconomic groups throughout the country serve as the major research sites.
Advisory Councils. State and National Advisory Councils synthesize research needs assessment information from school districts, state departments, the Collaborative School Districts and the Stakeholders. The major leadership in the advisory process is provided by state department of education consultants in the area of education for the gifted and talented.
The Research Center Coordinating Committee. The Directorate, Associate Directors, representatives from the Collaborative School Districts, and a representative from the National Advisory Council are members of the Research Center Coordinating Committee. The major function of this committee is to make recommendations for the Center’s future research agenda.
Stakeholders. Representatives from professional organizations, parent groups, private sector groups, governmental agencies and policy makers who have an interest in the education of gifted and talented students provide input into the needs assessment, advise the Center on related issues such as restructuring and policy making data needs, and assist in dissemination though their publications and conferences.
Content Area Consultant Bank. Individuals with specialized backgrounds in all areas of psychology, education, and related disciplines serve as consultants, and they have the opportunity to participate in research projects.