Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on educational programming offered in non-traditional, publicly approved, and private settings, with important details about how to serve high-ability learners in specialized schools and deliver schoolwide educational change. It provides a needed resource to guide the design, implementation, rigor, and quality of special school educational initiatives, while closing a gap in the education materials market about serving high-ability students in specialized settings. The book argues that present detailed information about the distinct core components of specialized schools and programs differentiated for advanced learners, including curriculum and instruction; standards, evaluation, and assessment; and consideration of the whole gifted child and affective development. It discusses the role of educational standards in providing best practices within specialized schools. The book examines considerations when serving the whole gifted child in specialized schools.