Vision Statement

Michigan Vision for Talent Development

Every learner is assured opportunities to develop extraordinary levels of performance. Talents emerge in an environment of challenging and meaningful learning experiences. All schools, whether affluent or low income, urban or rural, have children and youth with exceptional talent. The educational community is committed to finding these learners and developing their full potential. These learners are entitled to intensively pursue their individual talents and have their unique needs met. Accomplishing this vision requires:

* Enabling legislation, policies, and appropriations.

* Education of staff, parents, and communities regarding talent development.

* Deliberate discovery and nurturance of talent in all domains.

* Continuity of specialized services for specialized needs.

* A continuum of services which honor diversity and individualism.

* Equal access to appropriately challenging instruction and programs regardless of geographic location, economics, gender, culture, ethnic background, or handicapping conditions.

* Learning settings not restricted to traditional boundaries.

* Responsibility for talent development, clearly defined and shared by educators, students, families, and communities.

Actualizing this vision is not only vital for recognizing and developing talent among high potential students, but also for the impact it has on the education of all students, and ultimately, for its impact on our nation.

Developed by: Section 57.1 Consultants for Gifted and Talented Education Traverse City, Michigan September 17, 1993 Adopted by the Michigan Alliance for Gifted Education