College Collaboration With Gifted Programs: Deaf Studies Unit (Part 2)

THE PRESENT ARTICLE is the second in a 2-part series. Part 1 explained the needs of students in gifted education programs (GEPs), the concept ofinterest-area mentorship, and how mentors help meet gifted elementary-school students’ needs in light of National Association for Gifted Children standards. Part 2 explains that the goals and standards GEPs must address not only cover academics but also intellectual and affective categories. Once college instructors understand these goals and standards, they can initiate collaboration with GEP teachers and provide mentors to GEP classrooms. Deaf studies’ diverse topics lend themselves to teaching, research, and discussion—perfect qualifications for GEP curricula. Examples show the “fit” between gifted education and a unit on Deaf studies. By delineating the roles of the GEP teacher, the mentor, and the college instructor, the authors provide an understanding that can enable implementation of broadly beneficial mentorship programs.