Advocating for Gifted Programs: A Guide for Educators & Parents
Gifted education occupies a strange place in American schools. Special education is federally mandated: every eligible student is guaranteed a free appropriate public education (FAPE)
Categories
Tags
profile stories | student profile | student testimonials | testimonialGifted education occupies a strange place in American schools. Special education is federally mandated: every eligible student is guaranteed a free appropriate public education (FAPE)
Gifted identification determines which students receive differentiated programming, advanced coursework and specialized services throughout their K-12 education. When a student’s ability goes unrecognized, that child
Across K-12 classrooms, gifted students are consistently identified as one of the most underserved populations. Teachers who complete the CAEP-accredited online Master of Science in
A student who reads three grade levels ahead in science yet cannot finish a worksheet without losing their place is not lazy, unmotivated, or careless.
Earning a master’s in curriculum and instruction can open the door to some of the most influential leadership roles in PreK-12 education. Emporia State University
Kansas teachers with a master’s degree earn more at every stage of their career — from their first paycheck to the highest administrative roles in
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is not a recommendation. It is a legally binding document under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which means
Walk into nearly any K-12 classroom in the U.S. and you’re looking at a room that includes students with high-incidence disabilities. According to the National
Running a school district takes more than educational expertise. It requires financial acumen, political skill and an ability to manage thousands of employees across a
Kansas is experiencing one of the most sustained teacher shortages in the country, and the classrooms most affected are those serving students who need the

While working as a teacher at a tribal school’s Gifted and Talented program on her reservation in Sisseton, South Dakota, Nona Siyaka decided to take her career to the next

Mary Tollie did not originally set out to become a special education teacher. Growing up in Nebraska and eventually settling in Kansas, she began her

Jenea Prichard has lived and taught in Wichita, Kansas for most of her life, spending 27 years in early childhood education. In the fall of 2024,
Educational leadership is entering a period of unprecedented opportunity. As schools continue to navigate complex operational and instructional challenges, districts are seeking leaders who can
Inclusion in education is a commitment to equity, access, and opportunity for all learners. It ensures that every student, regardless of background or ability, has
A single teacher can deliver a strong lesson, but when two educators work in tandem, the classroom becomes something else: A place where students who
Gifted education programs are known under various names in different states, from GATE (Gifted and Talented Education), to TAG (Talented and Gifted), but they all
In an era of rapid educational transformation, teachers are expected to go far beyond the traditional role of delivering lessons to students. They must now
For aspiring administrators, understanding and shaping a school’s culture is essential to leading change. The online Master of Science (MS) in Educational Administration program at
Every student learns differently, but for those with high-incidence disabilities like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the learning environment plays
Early childhood education lays the groundwork for a child’s future learning and development. Because of this, the professionals who guide these formative years require continuous
Teaching approaches for exceptional students have changed significantly in recent years, emphasizing using customized strategies to meet diverse learning needs. Educators seeking to advance their
Occupational therapy (OT) is a vital part of early childhood special education, providing essential support to young children with disabilities or developmental delays. By addressing
Understanding the neurological foundations of learning disabilities is vital for supporting students with high-incidence disabilities (HIDs), such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit
The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) makes the definition of gifted students clear: These students perform or have the capacity to perform “… at
Integrating technology in the classroom is essential in today’s digital age. Ensuring its effective use depends on one key element: professional development. Educational leaders, including
Educators today face increasing challenges as they strive to support students with a wide range of learning disabilities. For teachers looking to deepen their expertise
Educational administrators are key players in shaping the educational landscape, guiding and influencing critical areas such as curriculum development, assessments, and resource management. Curriculum leadership
Student education involves more than just classroom teachers. Teacher leaders are critical in school, staff, and student success. The National Education Association (NEA) notes that
As neuroscience reveals more about how young learners develop a cognitive understanding of curriculum, more teachers want to bring neurological ideas into the classroom to
Submit this form, and a representative will contact you to answer any questions!
Start your application today!
© 2026 Emporia State 1 Kellogg Circle, Emporia, KS 66801800-721-2248 800-721-2248
Risepoint maintains this website on behalf of Emporia State University. ESU maintains responsibility for curriculum, teaching, admissions, tuition, financial aid, accreditation, and all other academic- and instruction-related functions and decisions. Learn more about Risepoint.
Request Information
Submit this form, and a representative will contact you to answer any questions!