The University of Connecticut is home to the Neag Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development. Studies focusing on meeting the needs of gifted and talented youth have received national and international attention for over 40 years. The earliest research emphasized studies related to creativity, assessment, identification, programming, and evaluation. Several studies conducted by our research team are considered seminal research that guides the design and development of programs and services to meet the needs of gifted and talented students. The research team includes Dr. Joseph S. Renzulli, Dr. Sally M. Reis, Dr. Del Siegle, Dr. E. Jean Gubbins, Dr. M. Katherine Gavin, Dr. Catherine Little, Dr. D. Betsy McCoach, and Dr. Tutita Casa. The team poses questions such as the following that are theory-based and practice relevant.
- Who are the gifted and talented students?
- How do you screen and identify potentially gifted and talented students?
- What are examples of defensible programs and services?
- How can gifted education programs and practices enrich students’ learning opportunities?
- What are the most effective approaches to reading and mathematics instruction for gifted and potentially gifted youngsters?
- How can parents and educators effectively collaborate in support of gifted students?