2005 Davidson Fellows 

On September 28, 2005, four Davidson Fellow Laureates and 13 Davidson Fellows were recognized at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. for their prodigious work in the fields of science, technology, mathematics and humanities.

"The 2005 Davidson Fellows are success stories – they’re students who have resourcefully found ways to nurture their genius by seeking out mentors, relying on strong family support and working diligently to achieve their goals,” said Bob Davidson. 

Currently, the encouragement of exceptional intellectual talent is not a priority in this country. If the Davidson Institute for Talent Development has its way, however, the prevalence of such extraordinary accomplishments will soar.

During the past five years, 74 Davidson Fellows have been recognized by the Davidson Institute and each Fellow has received a $50,000, $25,000 or $10,000 scholarship. To view photos of the 2005 Davidson Fellows recent events in Washington, D.C., click here.

Nevada is offering students a new kind of public school: a school for profoundly gifted middle and high school students. Students will have an individualized learning plan that will allow them to learn at a pace and depth appropriate to their abilities. The Academy will be located on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno and, when students are ready, they will be matriculated into university level classes. Applications for The Academy are now available at: 
                  www.DavidsonAcademy.UNR.edu.

This summer we introduced a new web portal at www.ditd.org, which allows easy access and navigation through our redesigned websites. One of the features of this redesign is a new GT-CyberSource home page, which provides the latest news in gifted education, a sampling of the many resources that the database offers and notification of upcoming events.  

FEDERAL - Fourteen Javits grants have recently been awarded for gifted education research in 12 states. Many of these grants are intended to increase diversity in gifted education programs. Unfortunately, it is still uncertain if Javits will be funded in 2006. For more information visit the National Association for Gifted Children's website.

NCLB - Utah's Governor Jon Huntsman has signed a law abandoning the standards of the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). Fifteen states are considering following suit, despite millions in federal aid that could be lost. NCLB, which was passed in 2002, has raised concerns about whether the act is constitutional, and if such a high emphasis on testing is harmful to creativity and higher thought processes. Sources: NPR news, MSNBC 

ARIZONA - A law was passed removing "gifted child" from the area of special education, and a new section was created for gifted identification and curriculum. School districts meeting the new requirements may apply for additional funding of $55 per pupil in the top three percent, or $1,000, whichever is more.  Source: The Arizona State Legislation

DELAWARE - A new law was passed allowing early entrance to kindergarten. Requirements include: testing 1.5 standard deviations above the mean; demonstrating social, emotional and physical readiness; and having the permission of a parent, guardian, or legal caretaker.   Source: The State of Delaware

ILLINOIS - A law was passed which changed the following: how students would be grouped and instructed; how teachers would be trained to identify the emotional needs and characteristics of gifted children; and how gifted students are identified. Children must test in the top 5% in over three aptitude measures in order to be identified as gifted. Source: The Illinois General Assembly

MINNESOTA - A recently enacted law has changed how funds for gifted education are allocated and requirements for how the money must be spent.  Requirements for spending the money include identification of the gifted, educational programs and staff development. Source: The Minnesota House of Representatives

SOUTH DAKOTA - Repeals were signed into law that revoked the guidelines for establishing the definition of gifted and talented education. In addition, appeals were made that changed identification of gifted children, as well as their placement and programs in gifted education. Source: The South Dakota Legislature

UTAH - The Legislature's Education Interim Committee, called Fast Track, hopes to provide quick learners a way to remain in classes with children their own age, while accelerating through coursework at their own level.  Source: The Salt Lake Tribune 

How gifted-friendly is your state? Find out at: gifted education policies or the discussion forum.  
If you know of new legislation, please let us know.  Contact:

States with Gifted Conferences in October:

Arizona
Florida
Iowa
Kansas

Dr. Julian Stanley
1918 to 2005

This year's Davidson Fellows ceremony was dedicated to the memory of Dr. Julian Stanley who contributed so much to the world’s understanding of exceptionally gifted youth:  how exceptional they are, how they learn and how to support them in the development of their exceptional intellectual talents.

Last week, while in Washington, D.C. celebrating the extraordinary achievements of the 2005 Davidson Fellows in the Members Room at the Library of Congress, Julian's absence was felt. This year's Davidson Fellows event was the first one without him in attendance. In the past, Julian celebrated and shared his time meeting each Fellow, which was a special treat for everyone.

Julian was extremely generous with his time and his talents. Whether it was his research, finding educational opportunities or creating the Center for Talented Youth at Johns Hopkins University, Julian's focus was always on doing what was best for exceptionally gifted students. 

"He encouraged and guided us in the work we do. He was always there for us, to make suggestions (and corrections), to offer advice, and to encourage us. He was a special friend as well as a brilliant scholar. Julian was also one of the finest human beings we have ever known," said Jan Davidson.

For an overview of Dr. Julian Stanley’s life see Julian C. Stanley, pioneer in gifted education on the John Hopkins University website.

"Helping parents to become better facilitators of their intellectually talented
 children's education pays rich dividends for those youths and for society."

~ Dr. Julian Stanley    

Cited from "A look back at educational non-acceleration: An international tragedy"