The Institute of Education Sciences awarded the next five-year National Center for Research on Gifted Education (NCRGE) to our collaborative team of researchers from the University of Connecticut, University of Iowa, University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, University of California – Berkeley, University of California – Santa Cruz, and Michigan State University. The team includes research methodologists, economists, and gifted education research leaders.

Dr. Del Siegle of the University of Connecticut, who directed the previous NCRGE (2014-2020), will direct the new NCRGE. Other members of the research team include Dr. E. Jean Gubbins, Dr. D. Betsy Mccoach, Dr. Catherine Little, and Dr. Christopher Rhoads at UConn, Dr. Susan Assouline at the University of Iowa, Dr. Scott Peters at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Dr. David Card at the University of California – Berkeley, Dr. Laura Giuliano at the University of California – Santa Cruz, and Dr. Scott Imberman and Dr. Katharine Strunk at Michigan State University.

The new Center will begin work on September 1, 2020, with a focus on the following questions:

• How can we simplify identification systems while expanding participation opportunities for underserved students?
• What impact do teachers have on gifted students’ academic success?
• What are the benefits of gifted programs? How do they extend beyond academic achievement?
• Can universal screening be effectively implemented for acceleration?

NCRGE is part of the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program, which funds evidence-based research, demonstration projects, and innovative strategies to enhance the ability of elementary schools and secondary schools nationwide to identify gifted and talented students and meet their special educational needs. The major emphasis of the program is on serving students traditionally underrepresented in gifted and talented programs