ABSTRACT
The goal of professional development in gifted education should be to support all educators in helping every student achieve the highest level of learning and development. This is a paradigm shift in professional development from a focus on just improving teacher performance. In 2005, the National Network of Eisenhower Regional Consortia and Clearinghouse identified seven principles of effective professional development. Principle 3 states, Effective professional development experiences are research-based and use methods that mirror those used in the classroom. Johnsen writes about the standards in the field and their effects on professional competence. The standards can serve as benchmarks to guide training and professional development opportunities for preservice and in-service teachers. They provide direction for gaining expertise in meeting the needs of gifted learners. The standards are supported by research and emphasize the knowledge and skills to become an exemplary teacher in the field.
