Working with Gifted English Language Learners (The Practical Strategies Series in Gifted Education)

English Language Learners are increasingly underidentified for gifted programs, although many of them possess high academic abilities and have a high motivation to learn and succeed in school. This population is poorly represented in many gifted programs due to a myriad of reasons, including lower test scores on English-based tests, language barriers, and cultural differences. Educators must learn to recognize and provide enrichment for gifted English Language Learners, despite the language barriers that exist. Michael S. Matthews introduces educators to the complexities and challenges of providing appropriate educational experiences for gifted English Language Learners. This unique, comprehensive book guides educators toward identifying gifted students in this population, including a look at nonverbal and Spanish-language testing, and gives advice for integrating these students into any gifted program.

This is one of the books in Prufrock Press' popular Practical Strategies Series in Gifted Education. This series offers a unique collection of tightly focused books that provide a concise, practical introduction to important topics concerning the education of gifted children. The guides offer a perfect beginner's introduction to key information about gifted and talented education.

Michael S. Matthews, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Department of Special Education and Child Development at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He previously served as an assistant professor at the University of South Florida in Tampa and as a postdoctoral research fellow at the Duke University Talent Identification Program. Matthews earned his doctoral degree in educational psychology, with a concentration in gifted and creative education, from the University of Georgia. He is a regular presenter at state, national, and international meetings on gifted education. He was the 2006 Program Chair for the special interest group, Research on Giftedness and Talent, of the American Educational Research Association. He serves as a reviewer for several journals, including Gifted Child Quarterly and Journal for the Education of the Gifted. Matthews' research interests include underachievement, science education, and varied issues related to cultural and linguistic diversity in gifted education.

Frances A. Karnes is professor of curriculum, instruction, and special education at The University of Southern Mississippi. She is widely known for her teaching, research, publications, innovative program developments, and service activities in gifted education and leadership training.