Developing verbal talent

This extraordinary new work focuses on developing a language arts curriculum for high ability learners in grades K-8. It brings together some of the most experienced and renowned educational experts who are deeply involved in finding ways to restore excellence in our nation's classrooms. The book is, in part, the outgrowth of the curriculum development project in the language arts funded through the Jacob Javits Act. A central theme of the book is the process of talent development. It discusses how to recognize gifted children and how to provide opportunities for them to enhance their talents. The book describes a curriculum framework for language arts development that emphasizes analytical and interpretive reading skills, persuasive writing, debate and oral communication, evaluative listening, reasoning, and linguistic competency. The curriculum approach is interdisciplinary, and it encourages students to use higher-level thinking skills - to analyze what they read, write, and say. Although the book focuses on high-ability learners, it also describes how techniques found effective with gifted learners can be used for all students.