Practical Child Find Strategies for Gifted Teachers
- Michelle Robinson
- Jan 4
- 2 min read
As gifted educators, we know the importance of identifying and nurturing exceptional talents in our students. But let's face it – the traditional Child Find process can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially when relying on paper-based methods and manual calculations.
Why is Child Find so crucial? Beyond being a legal requirement in most states, it's our golden ticket to ensuring gifted students receive the support and challenges they need to thrive. However, the process often comes with its fair share of hurdles:
Overwhelmed general education teachers juggling multiple responsibilities
Time-consuming paperwork and calculations
Potential for human error in data entry and scoring
Storage nightmares with endless paper files
To make this process a bit easier, I converted the old pen & paper process to a digital worksheet. This worksheet allows general education teachers to input data directly into an online form, automatically calculates scores, and stores everything securely in the cloud. No more paper cuts or lost files! 🎉🎉
Looking for even more ways to supercharge your Child Find process? Here are some actionable tips to get you started:
Set up "Screener Sprints": Designate specific times throughout the year for focused screening efforts. I like to make October our official “Gifted Child Find Month.” In my district, students have completed almost one entire semester by October. It allows teachers enough time to notice potential gifted students and allows for state testing scores to be available.
Celebrate successes: Recognize teachers who consistently use the digital screener and identify potential gifted students. A little appreciation goes a long way!
Provide professional development: Offer training to all staff on recognizing gifted characteristics, especially in underrepresented populations
Host a "Screener Soirée": Gather your general education colleagues for a fun, informative session on using the digital screener. Provide snacks and make it a team-building event.
Send monthly Gifted Ed newsletters: Include the Child Find process in every newsletter. Include a Child Find FAQ section.
By embracing digital tools and fostering a collaborative approach, we can transform the Child Find process from a daunting task into an exciting opportunity to discover hidden gems in our classrooms. So, let's ditch the paper trail and embark on this digital adventure together – your future self (and your filing cabinet) will thank you!
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