As you've probably guessed, my name is Mike Darnell. Currently, I live in Okemos, Michigan. I'm employed by Unisys. If you want more information about me, please read my biography

These pages deal with Education, including Homeschooling, Genealogy, Talented and Gifted Kids, Digimon, Pokémon and other stuff I find interesting.

Be sure to visit my business page and the Darnell Family site too!

To see more members of my family, visit the Cloud*Wood Ranch.

Call 1-800-THE-LOST.

Talented and Gifted (TAG) Kids

The Young Gifted Child

Many children have extraordinary gifts, but not all children are extraordinarily gifted. Is your little boy or girl an exception? An article from the Family Education Network gives an overview of some of the characteristics that distinguish gifted children.

Primary Peeks

The purpose of Primary Peeks is to address the needs of high-ability, at-risk students. Students who have strong academic abilities are rarely considered at-risk. It is thought that they have the ability to "make it on their own." This, however, is not always the case. If the academic and psychological needs of these students are not met, they often "tune out" or become behavior problems. Early intervention to prevent such problems by informing teachers of the characteristics and needs of accelerated learners is crucial. Primary Peeks is designed to help meet these needs.

Gifted and Talented Education Issues

Background, stories, and Web links related to educating gifted and talented children. Presented by Education Week on the WEB.

A Glossary of Gifted Education

Getting confused by all the terms and acromyns? This is a fairly comprehensive list with good definitions.

Should Gifted Students Be Grade-Advanced?

A good article giving the justifications for grade skipping. Presented by ParentsPlace.com.

Learning Problems at School: Whose FAULT Is It?

Probably the parents or the child. Sound like an outrageous attitude? Unfortunately, you will probably encounter it at some point. This research article by Pamela Darr Wright, LCSW explains why "Parents of special ed kids often say that they are intimidated, patronized and made to feel guilty and inadequate by staff at their children’s school." In a study of 5,000 cases, Dr. Galen Alessi, Professor of Psychology at Western Michigan University determined that " when a child has trouble learning or behaving in school, the source of the child's problem can usually be traced to one or more of five causes.

• First, the child may be misplaced in the curriculum, or the curriculum may include faulty teaching routines.
• Second, the teacher may not be implementing effective teaching and/or behavioral management practices.
• Third, the principal and/or other school administrators may not be implementing effective school management practices.
• Fourth, the parents may not be providing the home-based support necessary for effective learning.
• Fifth, the child may have physical and/or psychological problems that contribute to learning problems.
"

The findings of 50 school psychologists in these 5,000 cases?

• "Alessi asked these psychologists how many reports they wrote in which they concluded that the child’s learning problem was mainly due to curriculum factors. The answer was usually none."
• "Next, he asked how many reports concluded that the referring problem was due primarily to inappropriate teaching practices. The answer also was none."
• "Then, he asked the psychologists how many of their reports found that the problem was due mainly to faulty school administrative factors. The answer again was none."
• "When asked how many reports concluded that parent and home factors were primarily responsible, the answer ranged from 500 to 1,000 (10% to 20%). These positive findings indicated that we were finally getting close to the source of educational problems in schools. Some children just don't have parents who are smart, competent, or properly motivated to help their children do well in school."
• "Finally, I asked how many reports concluded that child factors were primarily responsible for the referred problem. The answer was 100%. These 5,000 positive findings uncovered the true weak link in the educational process in these districts: the children themselves."

The ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education (ERIC EC)

ERIC EC provides information on the education of individuals with disabilities as well as those who are gifted. We also provide access to information from a variety of sources outside our clearinghouse, the ERIC System, and the U.S. Department of Education.

Parent Brochures from Eric

Offer answers to commonly asked questions from parents and teachers. Available from Aspen Systems Corporation.

TAG Family Network

The TAG Family Network is an organization dedicated to appropriate education for talented and gifted youth, and advocacy. Run by and for parents, our group disseminates information, supports parents, and monitors and influences legal issues.

Understanding Tests and Measurements for the Parent and Advocate

As you master the material contained in this article, you will understand what various tests and evaluations measure and how to use information from tests to measure academic progress. You will learn how to use graphs to visually demonstrate your child's progress or lack of educational progress in a very powerful and compelling manner.

Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Education Program

Youngsters with talent are found in all cultural groups, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor. To support the development of talent in America, the U.S. Congress passed the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act of 1988. This legislation authorized the U.S. Department of Education to fund grants, provide leadership, and sponsor a national research center on the education of gifted and talented students.

Gifted Education Press

During the last sixteen years we have been publishing books on teaching gifted students. We have been publishing the Gifted Education Press Quarterly for over ten years. It is read by teachers, program administrators, parents and professors across the nation. GEPQ is a lively publication that includes interesting essays on differentiated curriculum and great writers/thinkers of world literature, history, politics and philosophy.

TAG Organizations

The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)

The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) is an organization of parents, educators, other professionals and community leaders who unite to address the unique needs of children and youth with demonstrated gifts and talents as well as those children who may be able to develop their talent potential with appropriate educational experiences.

The National Foundation for Gifted and Creative Children

The National Foundation for Gifted and Creative Children was formed over 30 years ago. The main goal of The Foundation was to get much needed information to the parents of gifted children. The need is still there. Many gifted children are being destroyed in the public education system. Many gifted children are being falsely labeled with ADD as well as ADHD. And many parents are unaware their child/children could be potentially gifted. The Foundation's main objective is to reach out and help these precious children. The National Foundation for Gifted and Creative Children is a non-profit, non-sectarian, organization. Please feel free to download the complete packet of information provided by the Foundation as well as the informative news articles.

The National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented (NRC/GT)

The mission of The National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented is to plan and conduct theory-driven quantitative and qualitative research that is problem-based, practice-relevant, and consumer-oriented. Our mission includes a broad-based dissemination function, and the formation of a nationwide cooperative of researchers, practitioners, policy makers, and other persons and groups that have a stake in the psychology and education of high-potential youth from preschool through post-secondary levels. Emphasis is placed on identifying the research needs of economically disadvantaged youth, individuals of limited English proficiency, individuals with handicaps, and other special populations that traditionally have been underserved in programs for gifted and talented students.

The Hollingworth Center for Highly Gifted Children

The Hollingsworth Center is a national support and resource network focused on the needs of highly gifted children. A non-profit corporation, staffed by volunteers, the Center was founded in central Maine in 1983 by Kathi Kearney as a parent support group, in the belief that highly gifted children and their families need not feel isolated. The Center primarily serves as a clearinghouse of information and events concerning the needs of highly gifted children.

The Gifted Development Center

The Gifted Development Center serves parents, schools, and advocacy groups with information about identification, assessment, counseling, learning styles, programs, presentations, and resources for gifted children and adults. We have lots to share with you: materials on visual-spatial learners, resources for understanding and helping gifted children, personnel to assist you, links to other resources, and much more.

TAG News Groups, Mailing Lists, etc.

GT World

GT World is an on-line support community for parents of Gifted and Talented children. At GT World, we strive to provide a warm, comfortable, yet challenging environment in which to explore intellectual giftedness and the issues which surround it. These include parenting and advocating for our children, teaching them how to advocate for themselves, the experience of growing up gifted, obtaining an appropriate education, helping gifted kids with learning disabilities, and the wide range of other issues which tend to be flavored strongly by the our children's "difference".

Bright Ideas

Information and enjoyment for parents, teachers and advocates of Gifted Children from American Mensa, Ltd. Please note that our content is geared toward parents, educators and advocates; it is about gifted children, not for them. (We do hope to be adding areas for children in the near future.).

SCHL.SIG.TAG

Read the SCHL.SIG.TAG Internet newsgroup via DejaNews. This newsgroup features discussions between parents and educators about schooling TAG kids.

TAG Home Pages

The Gifted Education Page

Lots of information on Gifted Education maintained by the parents of a gifted child.

The Gifted Education and Homeschool Resource Page

An exceptionally rich source of information on Gifted Education and Homeschooling.

The Gifted Education Page

A nice list of links related to Gifted Education.

Gifted and Talented (TAG) Resources Home Page

More Gifted and Talanted links.

TAG Regional Associations

Michigan Alliance For Gifted Education

A group in Michigan devoted to Gifted education.

New Jersey Association for Gifted Children

This page describes many resources for Talented and Gifted children, their parents and educators in New Jersey.

Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education (PAGE)

PAGE has been an affiliate chapter of the National Association for Gifted Children since 1953. Our web site contains many resources for Talented and Gifted children, their parents, and educators in Pennsylvania.

Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented (TAGT)

An example of what can be accomplished in Gifted Education. TAGT is a unique organization of educators, parents, and friends of the gifted. Chartered in 1978, TAGT is the nation's largest state advocacy group, providing its more than 7,500 members with a forum for the exchange of ideas and information about the education of gifted and talented children and youth.

The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)

The NAGC aims (1) To provide all possible help, support and encouragement to gifted children and their families throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland and (2) To increase national and international awareness of the nature of giftedness, and understanding of the social and educational needs of gifted children.

Schools and Other Academic Links

The Women's College Coalition

An excellent resource for education from kindergarden through college. Lots of information on womens education issues.

Education Program for Gifted Youth (EPGY)

The Education Program for Gifted Youth is a continuing project at Stanford University offering computer-based courses in mathematics and the mathematical sciences for bright young students through the Stanford Continuing Studies Program.

The Center for Talent Development Network (CTD)

The Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University helps young people take flight creatively and intellectually. Its programs identify, nurture, and develop the gifts of students ages 4 to 18. More than 350,000 families have seen their children's talents flower through the center's efforts.

Institute for the Academic Advancement of Youth (IAAY)

Evolving from a pioneering program for students with extraordinary mathematical ability, the Institute for the Academic Advancement of Youth (IAAY) of The Johns Hopkins University is a comprehensive, university-based initiative that promotes the academic ability of children and youth throughout the world, and is a leading force in educational reform and improvement in the United States and abroad.

Office of Precollegiate Programs for Talented and Gifted (OPPTAG)

Located on the beautiful campus of Iowa State University, the Office of Precollegiate Programs for Talented and Gifted (OPPTAG) strives to uphold the high standards of education demanded by the university. OPPTAG's philosophy is to serve the needs of intellectually gifted adolescents through research and service. To meet this two-fold goal, OPPTAG has developed an array of programs:

CY-TAG Challenges for Youth-Talented and Gifted

EXPLORATIONS!

ISAIowa Scholars Academy

ACES Academically Challenging Experiences for Youth

Investigation Series

ITS Iowa Talent Search

SMPY Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth

The UC Berkeley Academic Talent Development Program (ATDP)

Each summer, highly motivated students come to U.C. Berkeley from all over the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond to participate in a variety of stimulating and challenging classes designed for academic advancement and enrichment.

The Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP)

The Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP), is a non-profit educational organization founded in 1980 through a grant from the Duke Endowment. TIP has become a major leader in identifying and serving the educational needs of the brightest of America's youth. Since 1980 over 700,000 students have benefited from one or more of TIP's programs.

Montclair State University Academically Gifted/Talented Youth Programs

Here, children from 6-16 learn under faculty who take special delight in working with academically gifted students. Here, students study in university-level facilities rich in computers and other technology, on a hilltop campus within easy reach of public transportation and major highways. At Montclair State, you will find courses in chemistry, genetics, cell and molecular biology, algebra, languages, history, creative writing and architecture. You will also find photography and literature, magic, dinosaurs, robotics and computer graphics-areas of study that offer fun and creativity as well as knowledge.

The Summer Institute For The Gifted

Over the past fourteen years The Summer Institute For The Gifted has grown from a single session at Blair Academy in Blairstown, New Jersey, with 132 students in 1984, to six sessions in five states, with 1,101 students in 1998. The purpose of The Summer Institute For The Gifted is to provide academically gifted students with a comprehensive and well-rounded summer experience. A challenging academic program is designed to engage students at a level commensurate with their abilities. Varied cultural opportunities, educational evening entertainment performances, weekend off-campus trips, on-campus special creativity programs, a complete recreational program, and social activities and opportunities address all the needs of the academically gifted student.

The Summer Institute at the University of Denver

The Summer Institute is the culminating program for Talent Search students. Students, ages 11 - 16, with exceptional ability in mathematical and verbal areas are offered a special selection of courses. These summer sessions will be held in June and July on the University of Denver campus. Classes are small and the curriculum is fast-paced. Challenging course work and supervised extracurricular activities enable students to gain academic and social confidence during this intense summer program.

Michigan Resource Center for Charter Schools at Central Michigan University

The mission of the Resource Center is to support Public Charter Schools in the State of Michigan by providing assistance during development, start-up, and operation of the Academy. The Resource Center provides various services to, and is a clearing house for information on Public School Academies. The Michigan Resource Center's web site has been widely published and has been acknowledged by leaders in the charter school movement as one of the most informative web sites on charter schools.

ADD, ADHD Links

Bill & Mary Allsopp's Project Lab

You need to read this. A sad commentary on the mis-diagnosis of ADD and ADHD.

Non-Linearity of Thought

This page is dedicated to informing the non-linear minded 5% to 15% of the population about something that they may have always known, but had never exactly known why... A must-read for anyone interested in ADD or ADHD.

ADHD and Children Who Are Gifted

Frequently, bright children have been referred to psychologists or pediatricians because they exhibited certain behaviors (e.g., restlessness, inattention, impulsivity, high activity level, day-dreaming) commonly associated with a diagnosis of ADHD.

ADHD or Intensities of Giftedness?

ADHD is one of the most complicated syndromes to diagnose. We need to exercise caution because some children with ADHD and some children who are gifted but do not have ADHD, may have some similar characteristics. Many of these seemingly similar characteristics may be caused by other reasons.

The Hunter School at the New England Salem Children’s Village in Rumney, N.H.

In September 1998, we are opening The Hunter School, a residential and day school specializing in ADD and ADHD in grades K-8. The Hunter School is a private day and boarding school for children with Attention Deficit Disorder and/or related conditions. We view children with Attention Deficit Disorder not as disabled or disadvantaged, but as possessing unique perceptual abilities which, if properly harnessed, can unleash a powerful talent to learn and succeed. Children with ADD think faster and can perceive a wider range of stimuli than other children. Although this is sometimes seen as a deficit because they do not appear to focus on any one task for long, they are, in fact, able to simultaneously perceive many things.

Interesting Stuff

The Great Debate

Did mankind evolve? Or are we the products of divine creation? See both sides and decide for yourself.

Links to sites devoted to science, skeptics, and rationalists.

If you think UFOs are hallucinations, mind readers are hoaxers, and mediums are frauds, you'll enjoy these links.

Links to sites devoted to mysticism, psychics, and parapsychology.

If you've been abducted by aliens, regularily talk to dear departed Aunt Edna, and bend tableware in your spare time, these links are for you.

Hot AIR

The excitingly graphical and trendoid home page of The Annals of Improbable Research. Links to the yearly IgNobel Prizes for research and other fascinating subjects.

The Web Home of Penn and Teller

Speaking of magicians (we were weren't we?), two of my favorites are Penn and Teller.

700+ Great Sites

Amazing, Spectacular, Mysterious, Colorful Web Sites for Kids and The Adults Who Care About Them. From the American Library Association.

SCHOLASTIC.com

Home of The Magic School Bus, Animorphs, and lots of other good books.

Learning Kids Interactive

A source for challenging (and possibly educational) games.

Bill Nye the Science Guy

(Bill! Bill! Bill! Bill!) A very unorthodox science show from Disney.

People Eating Tasty Animals

A resource for those who enjoy eating meat, wearing fur and leather, hunting, and the fruits of scientific research (and more!).

You may click here to sign my Guestbook.

Or, click here to see comments left by other visitors.

You were visitor since November 28, 2006. Please come back soon.