What+can+we+do+for+our+gifted+mathematics+students?

=What can we do for our gifted mathematics students?=

It is important that gifted students in mathematics are correctly identified, and are taught at a level suited to their ability and prior knowledge. Every school is required to have a policy regarding their definition of giftedness and how they identify and provide for these students. There are a variety of ways in which we can better teach our gifted students, most of which are listed here. It is important to note that no single method is better than any other, and that sometimes a combination may be beneficial for a student. It is best to choose a program or provision for a highly gifted student with the students wishes in mind, and in collaboration with them and sometimes their parents/caregivers or a gifted coordinator.


 * There are two basic types of provisions for gifted students: **differentiation** and **extra-curricular programs**.

Differentiation
Differentiation is teaching a single classroom in a variety of levels and in a variety of ways. Differentiation is necessary for all students, but particularly so for gifted students, who have very different learning needs from their age-peers.

Extra-curricular Programs
These are programs provided outside of the classroom specifically for gifted and talented young people.


 * These will both involve different treatments and levels of challenge in the material expressed through **acceleration**, **enrichment** and **extension**.

Acceleration
Acceleration involves teaching the standard course more rapidly than usual.

Enrichment
Enrichment involves going in more depth into the standard course.

Extension
Extension involves studying more challenging material that is not within the standard course.


 * In addition gifted students may benefit from participating in mathematical competitions.

Competitions
There are many national and international mathematics competitions available for highly able students.