Gifted Aboriginal Students: Making the Pathway Accessible

Abstract

In this paper, two successful programs for gifted Aboriginal students are outlined. The first program, the Aboriginal Summer Schools for Excellence in Technology and Science (ASSETS), is for secondary students who show high aptitude in science, mathematics and technology. As well as excursions, recreation and other social activities, it offers a balance of academic curriculum, which features collaborative project-based learning, and cultural development, which involves interaction with elders and role models. The second program, the Wii Gaay Project, is for underachieving and 'invisible underachieving' primary students. It has adopted the Coolabah Dynamic Assessment model to identify gifted Aboriginal students, and provides suitable educational experiences that will enable them to attain their potential within the education system. The success of each program is due to the culturally appropriate identification model used and the holistic provision of activities that meet both the cognitive and affective needs of the students.