UNDERSTANDING TEACHER’S PERCEPTION OF THE IDENTIFICATION OF AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS IN THE GIFTED EDUCATION PROGRAM: THE IMPACT OF TARGETED CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

Abstract

Identification methods used for African American students in gifted education programs and services continue to yield disproportionate results that show the underrepresentation of students of color. When the gifted identification survey data for a metropolitan district was analyzed and disaggregated to examine the issues of underrepresentation of African American students, for the period of 2019-2021, each racial ethnic group showed varied levels of representation. By focusing on African American students, the study examines the current protocols used to identify students for the gifted education program. These methods may include referrals from parents, teachers, or students, review of current grades, End of Grade test scores, and aptitude scores received from various IQ or Cognitive Abilities Test. This qualitative study sought to understand how educators at a metropolitan middle school perceived their knowledge, ability, and training regarding referral and identification protocol for gifted services, with specific attention on African American students. Further, the study took place while teachers attended a school-wide professional learning series using culturally responsive teaching. The study collected data to investigate the impact of this training on the same perceptions. Critical Race Theory was used as the theoretical framework for this research. The research in this study also addresses the systematic institutional policies, procedures and practices that create barriers in the identification of African American students in gifted education programs at a middle school. Emerging themes from the research highlight some reasons for underrepresentation. The results of this study provide insight into various approaches used to identify African American students for gifted education programs, to help decrease underrepresentation.