Concurrent 60 min

Catch Them Being Gifted: An Alternative Approach to Talent Spotting

Saturday, November 15, 2025

3:45 PM - 4:45 PM ET

Location: Convention Center, 304/305

Grade Level: Pre-K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Del Siegle

Lynn and Ray Neag Endowed Chair for Talent Development
University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut, United States
Susan Dulong Langley, PhD (she/her/hers)

Postdoctoral Research Associate
University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut, United States
KK

Kelly L. Kearney

Research Scientist
University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut, United States
Celeste DC Sodergren, PhD (she/her/hers)

Postdoctoral Research Associate
University of Connecticut
Broad Brook, Connecticut, United States
John P. Burrell

Graduate Research Assistant
University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut, United States
Talbot S. Hook, MAT

Clinical Assistant Professor of Gifted and Creative Education
University of Georgia at Athens
Vernon Rockville, Connecticut, United States
Mei Zheng (she/her/hers)

Graduate Assistant
University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut, United States
SJ

Shelby Jones

University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut, United States

Short Description: We share nine student behaviors that talented students often exhibit during learning activities. These nine Points of Promise (POPs) capture students’ motivation, creativity in problem solving, ability to make connections, and ability to recognize and use patterns to find solutions. We share the nine POPs and how they can be used to identify gifted behaviors while teaching academic subjects.

Gifted Coordinator Track - Sponsored by National Inventors Hall of Fame

Learning Objectives:

Participants recognize and describe the nine Points of Promise (gifted behaviors) that signal potential talent across various subject areas, including mathematics, reading, and science.
Participants use the Points of Promise Checklist to systematically observe, document, and interpret gifted behaviors during problem-based learning activities, leading to more equitable and inclusive identification of talent.
Participants plan and implement classroom strategies that embed the Points of Promise Checklist into daily instruction, fostering an environment where diverse learners can demonstrate creative problem-solving, motivation, and pattern recognition.