Poster

Poster 5: A River of Potential: Unleashing Giftedness in Multi-Age Settings

Thursday, November 13, 2025

5:15 PM - 6:30 PM ET

Location: Convention Center, Exhibit Hall B

Grade Level: 3-5

Sonya C. Burchett, MS

Gifted Resource Teacher
Montgomery County Public Schools. VA
Riner, Virginia, United States
Angela M. Smith (she/her/hers)

Gifted Resource Teacher
Montgomery County Public Schools, VA
Riner, Virginia, United States
Kayla H. Dickerson (she/her/hers)

Gifted Resource Teacher
Montgomery County Public Schools, VA
Pulaski, Virginia, United States
Julie Stanley, MA (she/her/hers)

Gifted Resource Teacher
Montgomery County Public Schools, VA
Christiansburg, Virginia, United States
Helen Fotinos, MAT (she/her/hers)

Administrator of Gifted Program
Montgomery County Public Schools, VA
Christiansburg, Virginia, United States

Short Description: To meet the needs of gifted students in a rural setting, one district has expanded services to create a multi-age model: iLEAD (innovation with Leadership Education through Academic Design). Students build leadership skills through interaction with community resources while applying the 5 Cs to make learning meaningful. Attendees will explore the benefits of this model and gain implementation strategies. Come learn practical strategies for implementing a successful program including ideas on effective scheduling, strategies for creating diverse learning cohorts, utilizing high-quality instructional materials, and gaining valuable insights directly from iLEAD students themselves.

Learning Objectives:

Attendees will explore a tailored curriculum outline designed to enhance gifted education programs.
Participants will envision practical strategies to implement this innovative approach within their districts.
Attendees will articulate the benefits and transformative impact of multi-age grouping on gifted learners’ development.