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Book Resources from The Center's Staff

Click on title or cover image to learn more or order book.

 

Strategies for Differentiation Instruction: Best Practices for the Classroom (4th Edition) by Julia Roberts and Tracy Inman (2023)

This updated edition of Strategies for Differentiating Instruction offers practical approaches that allow all students to make continuous progress and be appropriately challenged by focusing on their various levels of knowledge and readiness to learn.

Written in an accessible, teacher-friendly style, chapters explore methods to tier learning experiences so that all students’ unique learning needs are met. The new edition updates the strategies complete with student examples and provides Developing and Assessing Products (DAP) tools for a variety of products as reproducible appendices. Full of research-supported examples and designed specifically for teachers who are new to differentiated instruction, this book offers vetted, practical advice for preassessing students, implementing differentiation strategies, and managing and assessing student learning.

This new edition is a must-read for teachers seeking to master the essentials of how to differentiate instruction and address all students' needs, interests, and abilities.

 

Introduction to Gifted Education by Julia Roberts, Tracy Inman, and Jennifer Robins (2022)

Now in its Second Edition, Introduction to Gifted Education presents a well-researched yet accessible introduction to gifted education, focusing on equity and supporting diverse learners. Inclusive in nature, this essential text is filled with varied perspectives and approaches to the critical topics and issues affecting gifted education.

Chapters cover topics such as gifted education standards, social-emotional needs, cognitive development, diverse learners, identification, programming options, creativity, professional development, and curriculum. The book provides a comprehensive look at each topic, including an overview of big ideas, its history, and a thorough discussion to help those new to the field gain a better understanding of gifted students and strategies to address their needs.

Filled with rich resources to engage readers in their own learning, Introduction to Gifted Education, Second Edition is the definitive textbook for courses introducing teachers to gifted education.

 

Teacher's Survival Guide: Gifted Education (2nd Ed.)  by Julia Roberts and Julie Boggess (2020)

Teacher's Survival Guide: Gifted Education is packed with practical information, up-to-date resources, tips for success, and advice from experts in the field. This updated second edition:

• Is the perfect introduction to gifted education for beginning and early career educators.
• Provides field-tested, proven strategies.
• Is designed to help teachers build their understanding of gifted education and gifted learners.
• Covers topics essential to gifted education teachers, including identifying giftedness and encouraging creativity.
• Includes tips for providing resources and opportunities to spur talent development.

Each chapter features a key question, making the book ideal for an engaging book study, as well as survival tips and a survival toolkit of resources to keep readers on course as they navigate through gifted ed.

 

Hands-On STEAM Explorations for Young Learners  by Allison Bemiss (2018)

Hands-On STEAM Explorations for Young Learners: Problem-Based Investigations for Preschool to Second Grade will use popular children's nursery rhymes to explore STEAM concepts through hands-on, minds-on investigations. Children ages 4 through 8 and their teachers will love this twist on familiar old nursery rhymes. Children will enjoy problem solving and tinkering as they discover and explore. Black sheep insists that she hides more colors in the drawn lines of her black wool. Test to find out if it is possible for black to be more than one color. Can you invent a contraption using household items to catch a tiger by the toe? How might you make Old King Cole's fiddle using take-out boxes and rubber bands? Teachers will appreciate the easy-to-follow layout, connection to advanced learning, and easy-to-access materials in each investigation. Innovation, wonder, and fun are at the heart of each of these explorations.

 

Introduction to Gifted Education by Julia Roberts, Tracy Inman, and Jennifer Robins (2017)

Introduction to Gifted Education is the definitive textbook designed for courses that introduce teachers to gifted education, whether that is in graduate school or in certification or continuing development programs for teachers. The book is inclusive in nature, addressing varied approaches to each topic while relying on no single theory or construct. The book includes chapters that focus on critical topics such as gifted education standards, social-emotional needs, cognitive development, diverse learners, identification, programming options, creativity, professional development, and curriculum. The book provides a comprehensive look at each topic, including an overview of big ideas, its history, and a thorough discussion to help those new to the field gain a better understanding of gifted students and strategies to address their needs. A rich companion piece supports the text, providing practical strategies and activities for the instructor (designed for both online classes and face-to-face classes).

 

Parenting Gifted Children 101: An Introduction to Gifted Kids and Their Needs by Tracy Inman and Jana Kirschner (2016)

 

Assessing Differentiated Students Products: A Protocol for Development and Evaluation (2nd Edition) by Julia Roberts and Tracy Inman (2015)

The second edition of Assessing Differentiated Student Products provides educators with tremendous opportunities to differentiate instruction and facilitate continuous progress for every student. This book provides teachers with everything needed to develop and assess products developed by students. The book includes a list of suggested products; more than 100 DAP tools that assess content, presentation, creativity, and reflection at three tier levels using a multilevel performance scale for a variety of products; and detailed information on how to use these tools in the classroom. By encouraging the use of varied products to demonstrate what students have learned, DAP tools engage children, motivate, have real-world connections, require high-level thinking and problem-solving skills, accommodate learning preferences, allow for self-expression and creativity, promote ownership and pride in one's work, and develop lifelong learners.

Strategies for Differentiation Instruction: Best Practices for the Classroom (3rd Edition) by Julia Roberts and Tracy Inman (2015)

This updated edition of the best-selling Strategies for Differentiating Instruction offers practical strategies that allow all students to learn at appropriately challenging levels and make continuous progress by focusing on their various levels of knowledge and readiness to learn. Written in a teacher-friendly manner, the book presents strategies that can be used in any classroom to ensure that each student's needs are met. This third edition includes strategies for Common Core State Standards alignment plus new Developing and Assessing Products (DAP) tools for a variety of products. Designed specifically for teachers who are new to differentiated instruction, this book offers sound, practical advice for preassessing students, implementing differentiation strategies, and managing and assessing student learning. This book is filled with the essentials teachers need to know in order to differentiate instruction and address all students' needs, interests, and abilities.

Teacher's Survival Guide: Differentiating Instruction in the Elementary Classroom by Julia Roberts and Tracy Inman (2013)

Teacher's Survival Guide: Differentiating Instruction in the Elementary Classroom answers the most common questions about differentiation, including what it is, how teachers can set up a classroom that promotes differentiation, which topics should be differentiated, what strategies are most effective, and how teachers can assess students engaged in different classroom experiences.

 

 

A Teacher's Guide to Working With Children and Families From Diverse Backgrounds by Julia Roberts and Jennifer Jolly (2012)

Schools are increasingly diverse in their student population, presenting new challenges for teachers. In light of these challenges, schools remain important in the talent development process. A Teacher's Guide to Working With Children and Families From Diverse Backgrounds provides important information and strategies for educators at all levels. The book is written for educators who want all children to thrive in school, including those who are twice-exceptional, those from lower income backgrounds, and others who have been underrepresented in gifted programming.

 

 

Differentiating Instruction with Centers in the Gifted Classroom by Julia Roberts and Julia Boggess (2012)

Differentiating Instruction With Centers in the Gifted Classroom provides teachers with tons of ideas and guidance for creating unique classroom centers that will challenge gifted learners and encourage high-level, independent thinking.

 

 

 

 Teacher's Survival Guide: Gifted Education by Julia Roberts and Julia Boggess (2011)

Teacher's Survival Guide: Gifted Education covers topics essential to gifted education teachers, including tips and strategies for recognizing and identifying giftedness, encouraging creativity, and providing the multiple opportunities and resources gifted kids need.

 

 

 

Parenting Gifted Children: The Authoritative Guide From the National Association for Gifted Children by Jennifer Jolly, Donald Treffinger, Tracy Inman, and Joan Smutny (2010)

When parents need the most authoritative information on raising gifted kids, they can turn to Parenting Gifted Children: The Authoritative Guide From the National Association for Gifted Children. This comprehensive guide covers topics such as working with high achievers and young gifted children, acceleration, advocating for talented students, serving as role models and mentors for gifted kids, homeschooling, underachievement, twice-exceptional students, and postsecondary opportunities. The only book of its kind, this guidebook will allow parents to find the support and resources they need to help their children find success in school and beyond. Written by experts in the field of gifted education and sponsored by the leading organization supporting the education of gifted and advanced learners, this book is sure to provide guidance, advice, and support for any parent of gifted children. Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented 2011 Legacy Book Award Winner - Parenting

Strategies for Differentiating Instruction: Best Practices for the Classroom by Julia Roberts and Tracy Inman (2009)

This updated second edition of the best-selling Strategies for Differentiating Instruction offers practical strategies that allow all students to learn at appropriately challenging levels and make continuous progress by focusing on their various levels of knowledge and readiness to learn. Written in a teacher-friendly manner, the book presents strategies that can be used in any classroom to ensure that each student's needs are met. This book offers sound, practical advice for preassessing students, implementing differentiation strategies, and managing and assessing student learning. It is filled with the essentials teachers need to know in order to differentiate instruction and address all students' needs, interests, and abilities.This edition features an additional chapter on academic success; a revamped Developing and Assessing Products (DAP) Tool with an improved performance scale and new levels, plus new DAP Tools for a variety of products; an 8 1/2" x 11" format to ease reproduction of templates, lessons, surveys, and activities; and new lessons and activities for each differentiation strategy. Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented Legacy Book Award Winner

Assessing Differentiated Student Products: A Protocol for Development and Evaluation by Julia Roberts and Tracy Inman (2009)

Looking for a ready guide for developing and assessing a variety of authentic products in your classroom? If so, then the Developing and Assessing Products (DAP) Tool is for you! The DAP Tool is a protocol that simplifies the assessment process, encourages differentiation, and takes the ceiling off of learning. Products provide you with tremendous opportunities to differentiate instruction and facilitate continuous progress for every student. This book provides teachers with everything needed to assess products developed by students. The book includes a list of suggested products; more than 100 DAP Tools that assess content, presentation, creativity, and reflection at three tier levels using a multilevel performance scale for a variety of products; and detailed information on how to use these tools in the classroom.

 

Enrichment Opportunities for Gifted Learners by Julia Roberts (2005)

From a mentorship with a local archaeologist, to a medieval festival, the opportunities for gifted learners to explore a topic in depth are too numerous to mention. This book offers an introduction to structuring enrichment activities that add depth and complexity to a gifted child's learning experience. "Enrichment provides students with opportunities to extend learning," Julia Roberts, the book's author, explains. "There are three primary purposes for enrichment: fostering interest; nurturing talent, developing expertise, or both; and increasing achievement." This book shows teachers how to provide meaningful enrichment experiences for gifted students. The book offers effective strategies for enriching the curriculum and creating in-depth learning experiences both in and out of the classroom.