Gifted and Advanced Learning

The University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), in concert with the Gifted and Advanced Learning (GAL) office, are partnering again this year to provide a science-based Talent Mentoring Program (TMP) for identified or potentially identified 3rd grade Gifted and advanced learners. Our goal is to provide these students with a valuable experience that will broaden their ideas of what is possible for their contemporary and future selves. 

Two or three University mentors will dedicate 1 hour each week over the course of the school year with the intent of providing a more authentic “one to one” interaction between the identified students and their mentors. They will engage in “William and Mary” science units which utilize an inquiry-based approach to studying science and offer higher level thinking challenges for our learners. Each school will receive a “William and Mary” science resource kit to use for implementing the lessons. Each school has a TMP Liaison that is responsible for monitoring the program from week to week.

 The mentors will provide life-long benefits for the gifted students by demonstrating positive role model behaviors for these students. One of the most valuable experiences a gifted student can have is exposure to a mentor who is willing to share personal values, a particular interest, time, talents and skills. For gifted children, the potential benefits of a committed mentor are numerous and can contribute to both short and long-term success for the mentees as well as the mentors.

This partnership has existed for 3 years and has had a positive impact on the students that have been in the program. The responses from the students and mentors show that both have enjoyed this experience and it provided both mentor and student with lasting relationships that will provide inspiration and new insights in their future. The video link below will show the relationship between both mentor and mentees during a “William and Mary” science lesson where the students were engaged in learning about “chemical reactions”.

We currently have 26 schools that participate in the program and 40 plus first and second year UMSOM mentors that have signed on to participate. The program has been highlighted in the Baltimore Sun papers as well as one of our mentors were recognized as an “Everyday Hero” with Chick-Fil-A. 

Schools that currently participate in the program:

• Abbottston Elementary
• Belmont Elementary
• Callaway Elementary
• Federal Hill Preparatory Academy
• Furman L Templeton Preparatory Academy
• Hilton Elementary
• Maree G. Farring Elem./Middle
• Matthew Henson
• Moravia Park Elementary
• Robert W. Coleman
• William Paca
• Calvin Rodwell Elem./Middle
• Gwynns Falls Elem.
• Dr. Bernard Harris Elem.
• Dallas F. Nicholas Elem.
• Yorkwood Elem.
• Steuart Hill Elem.
• Pimlico Elem./Middle
• Commodore John Rodgers Elem./Middle
• Windsor Hills Elem./Middle
• Glenmount Elem./Middle
• Cross Country Elem./Middle
• Furley Elementary
• Wildwood Elem./Middle
• Charles Carrol Barrister Elem.
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elem./Middle
   

Local organizations

• Maryland Coalition for Gifted and Talented Education: This volunteer organization is made up of parents, professionals, graduate students, educators, and others who share an interest in gifted education.
• Maryland Mensa: The local affiliate of the national organization provides opportunities to network with and support gifted learners.
• Maryland State Department of Education: The Maryland State Department of Education's Gifted and Talented education information site which includes regulations and guidelines.
• Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth: This organization works to identify and develop the talents of the most advanced K-12 learners.
• GT Discover: GT Discover builds the capacity of schools, communities, and parents to identify and serve more gifted and talented students, especially those who are historically underrepresented, serving as a repository of resources, learning opportunities, and a collaborative community for stakeholders.

National organizations

• The National Association for Gifted Children: The leading organization of parents, educators, professionals, and community leaders working to address the unique needs of gifted children. 
• Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted: This organization provides information on effective ways to live and work with gifted individuals.
• Stanford University Education Program for Gifted Youth: Computer-based, multimedia courses in mathematics, physics, English, computer programming, and other subject areas. 
• Davidson Institute for Talent Development: This national nonprofit organization supports profoundly gifted students under the age of 18. 

Supporting your gifted learner at home

• Hoagies: A comprehensive site designed for families of gifted and advanced learners. 
• University of Connecticut's School of Education: Recommendations for of award-winning books, audiobooks, and books recommended by other children, adolescents, and young adults.
• Academy of Achievement: This site seeks to bring students face to face with leaders, visionaries, and pioneers who have helped shape the world. 
• Library of Congress: Resources for students and families ranging from classic books online to a national jukebox of recordings.