Do we need to re-think Gifted & Talented in school?

How to split a room of educators. Bring up “Gifted & Talented” #DansGuideToSpeaking — Dan Haesler (@danhaesler) June 14, 2014 Over the last couple of months I’ve been speaking around Australia about the need to understand the impact feedback has on an individual’s belief about their potential or need to learn. The source code for the talk […]

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Shouldn’t every class be an Opportunity Class?

75 public schools and a large number of independent schools in NSW have an Opportunity Class. They specifically cater for “academically gifted and talented children in Years 5 and 6.” The NSWDEC states that: [Opportunity Classes] provide intellectual stimulation and an educationally rich environment. Am I missing something? Is that to suggest other – let’s call […]

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Buying into NAPLAN Stress

I wrote this for my weekly Generation Next column. According to Saturday’s Sydney Morning Herald, “Stuffed toys that help children deal with ‘difficult emotions’ are being spruiked as a means to ‘assist with the stress of NAPLAN.’” As an aside, it does seem ironic that the PR firm pushing these toys is called Evil Twin. Now, I understand that […]

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