This expansion of the popular Common Core Mathematics Companions provides indexes for states implementing state-specific mathematics standards and shows which are the same as CCSS-M, which differ and how.
"This is the first resource I have seen on this up-and-coming issue. The book takes a detailed, research-based look at a diverse population of children across the country and can be used effectively by classroom teachers, school divisions, and colleges." -Katina Keener, Second-Grade Teacher T. C. Walker Elementary School, Gloucester, VA Nurture young children's self-esteem and boost learning by integrating family culture with instruction! For the increasing number of diverse young learners, academic and social success can hinge on a teacher's ability to bridge home and school by making emotional connections with students and their families. This book demonstrates how combining teaching methods with an authentic appreciation of children's backgrounds builds the confidence they need to succeed. Young Learners, Diverse Children offers a research-based instructional model that merges cognition, language, and culture to foster a supportive learning environment for diverse and low socioeconomic status (SES) students. Drawing on her direct experience in establishing a successful laboratory school for diverse preschoolers, Virginia Gonzalez presents examples of best teaching practices and provides lesson plans and alternative assessment tools to help readers: Improve literacy skills through storytelling that reflects students' everyday lives Collaborate with parents to increase student achievement Correlate curriculum with TESOL standards for young children Integrate academic standards across developmental levels and content areas Using this practical handbook, early childhood educators can create richer, more positive learning experiences and help alleviate the real-life challenges of cultural adaptation for newly immigrated or low SES students and their families.
'This is a book to be treasured. This deeply respected pioneer brings together major research literature, theoretical understanding and practical help. She does so in a way that demonstrates her love and commitment in working with young children and helping them to have rich lives intellectually and with personal fulfillment' -Professor Tina Bruce CBE 'What comes through is weighty warmth. The weight of research and experience coupled with the warmth of the fascination of children's development over Marion's professional and personal lifetime' -Professor Mick Waters, Wolverhampton University 'This highly knowledgeable yet accessible book will be hugely valuable for all those who care deeply about young children's learning and development' -Liz Roberts, Editor, Nursery World 'A tour de force which has the potential to change practice and thinking about early childhood' -Helen Moylett, Early Learning and Consultancy, President of Early Education Clearly linking theory and practice, this highly accessible book will be valuable to practitioners, teachers and students. The author explores the development of children's thinking from 0-7 years, and how this affects home, Early Years settings and schools. The book includes: @! case studies @! professional checkpoints to help reflection @! practical suggestions @! guidance on involving parents @! suggested reading @! questions for discussion. It will be a great asset for students on Early Years Foundation Degrees, Initial Teacher Education and Early Childhood Studies courses. The reader can access additional web resources here Marion Dowling works as a trainer and consultant in the UK and overseas, and is Vice President of Early Education, a national charity.
'This is a book to be treasured. This deeply respected pioneer brings together major research literature, theoretical understanding and practical help. She does so in a way that demonstrates her love and commitment in working with young children and helping them to have rich lives intellectually and with personal fulfillment' -Professor Tina Bruce CBE 'What comes through is weighty warmth. The weight of research and experience coupled with the warmth of the fascination of children's development over Marion's professional and personal lifetime' -Professor Mick Waters, Wolverhampton University 'This highly knowledgeable yet accessible book will be hugely valuable for all those who care deeply about young children's learning and development' -Liz Roberts, Editor, Nursery World 'A tour de force which has the potential to change practice and thinking about early childhood' -Helen Moylett, Early Learning and Consultancy, President of Early Education Clearly linking theory and practice, this highly accessible book will be valuable to practitioners, teachers and students. The author explores the development of children's thinking from 0-7 years, and how this affects home, Early Years settings and schools. The book includes: @! case studies @! professional checkpoints to help reflection @! practical suggestions @! guidance on involving parents @! suggested reading @! questions for discussion. It will be a great asset for students on Early Years Foundation Degrees, Initial Teacher Education and Early Childhood Studies courses. The reader can access additional web resources here Marion Dowling works as a trainer and consultant in the UK and overseas, and is Vice President of Early Education, a national charity.
Young children's personal, social and emotional development is of central importance to all those working in the Early Years. Offering thought-provoking questions and practical suggestions to help readers to reflect on and develop their own practice, this fourth edition of Marion Dowling's much-loved book has been fully updated to include: Expanded coverage of key topics including independent thinking, living and learning with others, and dispositions for learning A new chapter on 'Vulnerable Children and Fragile Families', with sections on identifying risk, talking to families, and safeguarding and protection Guidance for working with parents in every chapter Updated links to the EYFS and a focus on two year olds. This is essential reading for all Early Years students and practitioners, and anyone working with or caring for young children.
Young children's personal, social and emotional development is of central importance to all those working in the Early Years. Offering thought-provoking questions and practical suggestions to help readers to reflect on and develop their own practice, this fourth edition of Marion Dowling's much-loved book has been fully updated to include: Expanded coverage of key topics including independent thinking, living and learning with others, and dispositions for learning A new chapter on 'Vulnerable Children and Fragile Families', with sections on identifying risk, talking to families, and safeguarding and protection Guidance for working with parents in every chapter Updated links to the EYFS and a focus on two year olds. This is essential reading for all Early Years students and practitioners, and anyone working with or caring for young children.
This book supports those training to work with young children to explore the many factors that impact on child health and wellbeing. Health is a concept that is often taken for granted in young children. If a child is physically active, appears well and is succeeding in learning, it is assumed that all is well. The growing statistics of child mental health issues tell a different story, as do the statistics for childhood obesity and the increasing number of physical health issues in childhood. This book explores and evaluates the strategies currently used in Britain to tackle this escalating situation and asks - what more is needed? The global pandemic has created a large increase in all childhood issues - the scale of which is yet to be ascertained. Supporting healthy childhoods has always been, and always will be, a constantly evolving agenda. What supported children 10 years ago may no longer be relevant in today's society.
This book supports those training to work with young children to explore the many factors that impact on child health and wellbeing. Health is a concept that is often taken for granted in young children. If a child is physically active, appears well and is succeeding in learning, it is assumed that all is well. The growing statistics of child mental health issues tell a different story, as do the statistics for childhood obesity and the increasing number of physical health issues in childhood. This book explores and evaluates the strategies currently used in Britain to tackle this escalating situation and asks - what more is needed? The global pandemic has created a large increase in all childhood issues - the scale of which is yet to be ascertained. Supporting healthy childhoods has always been, and always will be, a constantly evolving agenda. What supported children 10 years ago may no longer be relevant in today's society.
The importance of promoting young children's creative thinking, and the social relationships which support it, is now seen as a vital element of good early childhood practice. The authors push forward our understanding of what young children's creative thinking is, and how it promotes young children's well-being. By drawing on research evidence, they examine key issues from the perspectives of the child, the parents or carers, and early childhood practitioners and make links between theory and practice. The book is divided into three key parts: - creative thinking, social relationships and early childhood practice - exploring perspectives in early childhood research - experiences of young children, parents and practitioners Chapters integrate practice, research and conceptual understanding to meet the needs of undergraduate and postgraduate students on any Early Childhood course.
The importance of promoting young children's creative thinking, and the social relationships which support it, is now seen as a vital element of good early childhood practice. The authors push forward our understanding of what young children's creative thinking is, and how it promotes young children's well-being. By drawing on research evidence, they examine key issues from the perspectives of the child, the parents or carers, and early childhood practitioners and make links between theory and practice. The book is divided into three key parts: - creative thinking, social relationships and early childhood practice - exploring perspectives in early childhood research - experiences of young children, parents and practitioners Chapters integrate practice, research and conceptual understanding to meet the needs of undergraduate and postgraduate students on any Early Childhood course.
the early years understanding the past, thinking about the present, planning for the future
Jane Lane is an advocate worker for racial equality in the early years. She was formerly the policy director for Early Years Equality (EYE) and an education officer at the Commission for Racial Equality and was largely responsible for writing their publication From Cradle to School: A practical guide to racial equality in early childhood education ......
Write Dance in the Early Years is back! This 3rd edition continues to develop an exciting and innovative programme which uses music and movement to get children excited about improving their handwriting skills. This multi-sensory approach is designed to help children ages 3-5 feel happy and comfortable in their bodies whilst learning to write in a fun, dynamic and engaging way. This new edition includes, * updated content, layout and structure * easily implementable activities * new videos demonstrating each theme * 3 new nursery rhymes * newly designed copy sheets for every theme Write Dance in the Early Years provides practitioners with a package of catchy songs, engaging stories and illustrations, as well as guidance on how to implement the Write Dance approach in their early years setting.
Write Dance in the Early Years is back! This 3rd edition continues to develop an exciting and innovative programme which uses music and movement to get children excited about improving their handwriting skills. This multi-sensory approach is designed to help children ages 3-5 feel happy and comfortable in their bodies whilst learning to write in a fun, dynamic and engaging way. This new edition includes, * updated content, layout and structure * easily implementable activities * new videos demonstrating each theme * 3 new nursery rhymes * newly designed copy sheets for every theme Write Dance in the Early Years provides practitioners with a package of catchy songs, engaging stories and illustrations, as well as guidance on how to implement the Write Dance approach in their early years setting.
This text provides information on the social context of childcare and educational services in: Austria; Belgium; Denmark; Finland; France; Germany; Greece; Ireland; Italy; Luxembourg; the Netherlands; Portugal; Spain; Sweden; and the United Kingdom. It documents the major types of provision for young children and describes the training of staff working in early childhood services. It also includes material on provision and staff training for work with school-age children outside school hours. Cross-national themes and issues on training, provision and policy have been emphasized for comparative analysis.
This book is written for all students of the Early Years. It begins by examining the role of a parent in a child's life and the importance of good working relationships between parents and Early Years practitioners. It goes on to discuss the preconceptions and assumptions that we all have about families and parents and considers the practical implications of working with parents in a respectful and trusting partnership. It explores both interpersonal and communication skills and the formal and informal ways of involving parents in the early years experience of their children. About the Early Years series This series has been designed to support students of degrees and foundation degrees in Early Years, Early Childhood and related disciplines. Each text takes a focused look at a specific topic and approaches it in an accessible and user-friendly way. Learning features help readers engage with the text and understand the subject from a number of different viewpoints. Tasks pose questions to prompt thought and discussion and further reading suggestions, including useful websites, are included to help students access extended learning in each topic. Other titles in the series are Early Childhood Studies, Becoming a Practitioner in the Early Years, Child Observation for the Early Years and Exploring Play for Early Childhood Studies. Ute Ward has been involved in the Early Years sector for more than 20 years in a range of different roles and contexts. In October 2011 Ute became Senior Lecturer in Early Years at the University of Hertfordshire where she teaches on Foundation Degrees and on undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
This book is written for all students of the Early Years. It begins by examining the role of a parent in a child's life and the importance of good working relationships between parents and Early Years practitioners. It goes on to discuss the preconceptions and assumptions that we all have about families and parents and considers the practical implications of working with parents in a respectful and trusting partnership. It explores both interpersonal and communication skills and the formal and informal ways of involving parents in the early years experience of their children. About the Early Years series This series has been designed to support students of degrees and foundation degrees in Early Years, Early Childhood and related disciplines. Each text takes a focused look at a specific topic and approaches it in an accessible and user-friendly way. Learning features help readers engage with the text and understand the subject from a number of different viewpoints. Tasks pose questions to prompt thought and discussion and further reading suggestions, including useful websites, are included to help students access extended learning in each topic. Other titles in the series are Early Childhood Studies, Becoming a Practitioner in the Early Years, Child Observation for the Early Years and Exploring Play for Early Childhood Studies. Ute Ward has been involved in the Early Years sector for more than 20 years in a range of different roles and contexts. In October 2011 Ute became Senior Lecturer in Early Years at the University of Hertfordshire where she teaches on Foundation Degrees and on undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Working with Babies and Children is essential for all who work with children under three due to its combination of theory and practice, clear writing, and pedagogical material. The Second Edition contains extensive updates on policy, new case studies, and activities from current settings. This revised edition emphasizes: child development and learning attachment/key person relationships planning the environment for babies understanding every child working with parents This book will be useful to those on initial training courses, such as Foundation degrees, NVQ, BA Education and Early Childhood Studies, and for managers and practitioners undertaking CPD.
Working with Babies and Children is essential for all who work with children under three due to its combination of theory and practice, clear writing, and pedagogical material. The Second Edition contains extensive updates on policy, new case studies, and activities from current settings. This revised edition emphasizes: child development and learning attachment/key person relationships planning the environment for babies understanding every child working with parents This book will be useful to those on initial training courses, such as Foundation degrees, NVQ, BA Education and Early Childhood Studies, and for managers and practitioners undertaking CPD.
In the early years sector all practitioners are now expected to engage in work-based research, as a means of improving practice and demonstrating leadership. Using examples from recent practitioner projects, this text offers a 'real world' approach to research consistent with models that involve the active participation of children and families. With the aim of clarifying themes and concepts for inexperienced researchers, the text explores ethical principles underpinning research, supported by case studies, which will be of particular relevance to students undertaking their own small-scale investigations. Further reading on research methodology is also included. Chapters are organized under three headings: - planning for research; - doing research; - learning from research. This book provides practitioners and undergraduates with a greater understanding of the position of the researcher, how to facilitate research and the way in which research underpins raising achievement and change in the workplace. There is an emphasis on impact of research on practice, illustrated through reflection on the authors' experience of preparing this text. Sue Callan is an Associate Lecturer with the Open University. Michael Reed is a Senior Lecturer on the BA Early Childhood Studies at the University of Worcester.
In the early years sector all practitioners are now expected to engage in work-based research, as a means of improving practice and demonstrating leadership. Using examples from recent practitioner projects, this text offers a 'real world' approach to research consistent with models that involve the active participation of children and families. With the aim of clarifying themes and concepts for inexperienced researchers, the text explores ethical principles underpinning research, supported by case studies, which will be of particular relevance to students undertaking their own small-scale investigations. Further reading on research methodology is also included. Chapters are organized under three headings: - planning for research; - doing research; - learning from research. This book provides practitioners and undergraduates with a greater understanding of the position of the researcher, how to facilitate research and the way in which research underpins raising achievement and change in the workplace. There is an emphasis on impact of research on practice, illustrated through reflection on the authors' experience of preparing this text. Sue Callan is an Associate Lecturer with the Open University. Michael Reed is a Senior Lecturer on the BA Early Childhood Studies at the University of Worcester.
Written and edited by experts in the field, this book provides a blueprint for weaving effective word study into the fabric of classrooms and schools. Provided are principles, ideas, materials, and activities for use with teachers in a range of professional learning contexts.
Written and edited by experts in the field, this book provides a blueprint for weaving effective word study into the fabric of classrooms and schools. Provided are principles, ideas, materials, and activities for use with teachers in a range of professional learning contexts. Key topics include word study foundations and orthographic knowledge; ......
Tens of thousands of teachers have used this skillfully crafted book to build children's word knowledge with engaging categorization activities organized by spelling stages. Featuring rich classroom examples, the revised and expanded second edition gives increased attention to teaching English learners (ELs), among other enhancements. In a ......
Tens of thousands of teachers have used this skillfully crafted book to build children's word knowledge with engaging categorization activities organized by spelling stages. Featuring rich classroom examples, the revised and expanded second edition gives increased attention to teaching English learners (ELs), among other enhancements. In a ......
This transformative book looks at one of the most undervalued aspects of childhood, joy. Using the latest neuroscience and biochemistry this book shows that joy, far from being an abstract concept, is one of the key motivators for every aspect of learning and development throughout childhood and something we ignore at our peril. The book gives concrete strategies for increasing the levels of joy in our children and highlights the catastrophic damage that a decline in joy can cause in our children especially in a post pandemic world. Suitable for anyone who works with children, this book puts forward a compelling argument that Joy is profoundly important for all of our children and can fundamentally help our children to thrive. Warning - may contain evil clowns!
This transformative book looks at one of the most undervalued aspects of childhood, joy. Using the latest neuroscience and biochemistry this book shows that joy, far from being an abstract concept, is one of the key motivators for every aspect of learning and development throughout childhood and something we ignore at our peril. The book gives concrete strategies for increasing the levels of joy in our children and highlights the catastrophic damage that a decline in joy can cause in our children especially in a post pandemic world. Suitable for anyone who works with children, this book puts forward a compelling argument that Joy is profoundly important for all of our children and can fundamentally help our children to thrive. Warning - may contain evil clowns!
10 proven practices to help children thrive In a world that seems to grow more unpredictable and challenging by the day, how can we increase learning and joy for children while offering them much-needed support? Uncertainty and disruption have created a youth mental health crisis that requires all hands on deck. This urgently needed guidebook offers comprehensive and scientifically-grounded methods you can use to support young people's well-being, no matter what obstacles they face. Written by an expert with decades of experience in education, youth development, and social work, this timely and timeless resource includes: 10 practices that can prevent and address mental health challenges and enable young people to thrive Strategies for taking care of kids while also taking care of yourself Information on the most pressing issues youth face, from nurturing healthy relationships to building community and belonging Key takeaways and reflection questions for individual use and group discussion as well as "Try Now" sections with tips and tools that can be used immediately Providing essential information, practical advice, stories, and time-tested strategies to help kids live and learn, Whole Child, Whole Life is required reading for anyone who is working with, caring for, or raising young people.
Promoting Thoughtful and Socially Responsible Behavior in the Early Ch
This book for teachers and parents makes an important case for the need for developing moral behavior in young children. It offers effective tools for teaching children to weigh decisions in the face of potential consequences, examine rationales for their choices, study the effects of their choices on others.
Straight Talk About Bettering Education and Children's Lives
Understand the connection between how kids grow and how they learn Rae Pica knows what she's talking about. With over 35 years in the field of education, she's realized that what's missing from our approach to schooling is an understanding of the connection between how children develop and how they learn. In this collection, Pica keeps children front and center as she provides thought-provoking commentary and actionable insights on topics such as the Common Core, the self-esteem movement, and standardized testing. You'll find 29 short essays on topics critical to best practice in child development and education Opinions of experts supported by research and anecdotal evidence Real-life stories shared by teachers and parents References to related articles and interviews with experts With its unflinching look at well-meaning initiatives that may be holding students back, this pocket-sized powerhouse of educational philosophy is sure to inspire discussion about our schools. "What a pleasure to read common sense wisdom about what young children need!" Diane Ravitch, Research Professor of Education New York University "This amazing book does far more than chase down the myths about how to ensure that children are successful. If offers real, research-backed practical strategies every teacher and parent can use. It belongs on every desk for quick and handy use!" Eric Jensen, Director Jensen Learning, Maunaloa, HI "Rae Pica has a deep understanding of childhood development and she has delved into every facet of it so that educators, parents, and policymakers will come to that understanding, too. This book needs to not just be on everyone's shelves, but open in everyone's hands." Peter DeWitt, Author/Consultant and Former K-5 Principal
What comes before phonics? The teaching of phonics is now strongly embedded in early literacy teaching in schools and early years settings, and it has been shown to be an important part of becoming literate. There is, however, significant concern about the formalising of phonics teaching for very young children. So what should we be focusing on in early years? What comes before this formal teaching? What do children need to know and experience to enable them to access phonics teaching with success? This book looks in detail at the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes that children need to enable them to come to phonics teaching ready to learn and with a good chance of success. The second edition has been updated to include the latest research and enhanced support on working with parents and carers.
What comes before phonics? The teaching of phonics is now strongly embedded in early literacy teaching in schools and early years settings, and it has been shown to be an important part of becoming literate. There is, however, significant concern about the formalising of phonics teaching for very young children. So what should we be focusing on in early years? What comes before this formal teaching? What do children need to know and experience to enable them to access phonics teaching with success? This book looks in detail at the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes that children need to enable them to come to phonics teaching ready to learn and with a good chance of success. The second edition has been updated to include the latest research and enhanced support on working with parents and carers.
What do we mean by wellbeing, and what does it look like as it takes shape in early childhood? What can we do to support the wellbeing of children at home and in settings? This book provides some answers to these complex questions, in a straightforward, accessible way. PART 1: INTRODUCING WELLBEING describes the 'backdrop' for a new model of wellbeing, outlining research and policy background, and underpinning early childhood themes. PART 2: THE THEORY OF WELLBEING defines wellbeing itself, describing the new model and the mechanism of wellbeing development called companionable learning. PART 3: EVERYDAY WELLBEING contains ideas and examples from homes and settings of 'real-life' wellbeing. Chapter 6: 'All to play for' is rich with ideas and examples of "profoundly satisfying" wellbeing play. PART 4: INVESTING IN WELLBEING is about professional development. It covers observation, assessment and planning; the key person approach; 'when things go wrong'; and integrating services across settings and communities. The book ends with the importance of collective wellbeing, arguing that all young children need experiences of individual and collective wellbeing, in their families and their communities. Essential reading for anyone studying early childhood, and for managers and practitioners working with young children and their families, this book is an inspirational guide to developing a framework for wellbeing from birth.
What do we mean by wellbeing, and what does it look like as it takes shape in early childhood? What can we do to support the wellbeing of children at home and in settings? This book provides some answers to these complex questions, in a straightforward, accessible way. PART 1: INTRODUCING WELLBEING describes the 'backdrop' for a new model of wellbeing, outlining research and policy background, and underpinning early childhood themes. PART 2: THE THEORY OF WELLBEING defines wellbeing itself, describing the new model and the mechanism of wellbeing development called companionable learning. PART 3: EVERYDAY WELLBEING contains ideas and examples from homes and settings of 'real-life' wellbeing. Chapter 6: 'All to play for' is rich with ideas and examples of "profoundly satisfying" wellbeing play. PART 4: INVESTING IN WELLBEING is about professional development. It covers observation, assessment and planning; the key person approach; 'when things go wrong'; and integrating services across settings and communities. The book ends with the importance of collective wellbeing, arguing that all young children need experiences of individual and collective wellbeing, in their families and their communities. Essential reading for anyone studying early childhood, and for managers and practitioners working with young children and their families, this book is an inspirational guide to developing a framework for wellbeing from birth.
Integrating Vocabulary, Children's Literature, and Think-Alouds to Enhan
"Israel offers an organized resource for teaching vocabulary and provides word lists, literature connections and extensions, journal prompts, and additional resources for teachers. The book's organization allows a teacher to pick and choose where to start and what to include." -Anita Barnes, Literacy and Math Specialist Second Street School, Frankfort, KY "A valuable resource for teachers who want to increase their students' vocabulary." -Gustava Cooper-Baker, Principal Sanford B. Ladd Elementary School, Kansas City, MO Engage young children with this creative and strategic approach for building early literacy skills! Helping PreK and primary-grade educators improve young students' oral language and build strong reading and writing skills, this practical resource is the ideal tool for planning literacy instruction based on the National Reading Panel's recommendations for vocabulary development. Unique in its thematic approach to developing students' vocabulary, this book provides word lists, literature selections, and teaching strategies for building young learners' vocabulary and comprehension skills. Based on original research conducted by Susan E. Israel and Edward B. Fry, the lists are comprised of words used frequently by children in their writing, as well as additional words to enhance learning. Each thematic chapter offers: Literacy integrations for reading and writing in the classroom Writing prompts to integrate with journal activities Read-aloud suggestions from children's literature Think-alouds to enhance vocabulary Vocabulary Lists and Activities for the PreK-2 Classroom not only fills a gap in the field of reading and writing instruction but also provides a wealth of activities and vocabulary words organized around topics appropriate for primary students.
"This is a highly useable guide to align inservice training coursework with the new national standards. The latest thinking on high-quality gifted education is invaluable; I can be sure that I am teaching what my teachers need!" -Christine Nobbe, Gifted Education Specialist Rockwood School District, MO "The great leveler for new and veteran teachers of gifted and talented learners begins with an understanding of the foundation for the field and current best practice. This guide helps professional development specialists bring their programs in line with the same national standards that are being used in teacher candidate preparation programs." -Cindy Sheets, Gifted Facilitator Shawnee Mission School District, KS Reshape the professional development of teachers in gifted education! The ten NAGC, CEC, and TAG knowledge and skills standards represent the best research-based practices in gifted education and identify what teachers of the gifted should know and be able to do. To ensure that students with gifts and talents realize their full potential, it is crucial that gifted education teachers receive ongoing professional development that reflects standards-based practices. This unique resource shows PreK-12 education leaders how to plan and implement inservice training programs or realign existing programs based on the newly approved gifted education standards. Authored by the organizations that developed the standards, this volume features a wealth of helpful material for developing objectives, activities, and assessments of professional development, including four different observation instruments, a sample needs assessment survey, a sample individual professional development plan, a checklist for meeting the knowledge and skills standards, and a CD-ROM with an annotated bibliography of the research base used to develop the standards. Staff developers will be able to: Determine professional development objectives based on standards Understand and assess teacher needs Design and evaluate the effectiveness of activities and onsite programs Implement standards for addressing diversity Using the National Gifted Education Standards for PreK-12 Professional Development is an essential companion for staff developers and administrators faced with the challenge of giving classroom teachers the necessary training to provide exceptional instruction.