SUPPORTING GIFTED STUDENTS IN THE REGULAR EDUCATION ELEMENTARY CLASSROOM THROUGH DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION Brittany Launder

ii Dr. Brigid Burke, Advisor Differentiated instruction has been suggested through research as a way to ensure that all students in today’s diverse classrooms the chance to succeed. However, there is a misconception that gifted students are able to differentiate instruction for themselves to provide the academic challenges necessary for intellectual growth. A third grade gifted pull-out program called FIND (Furthering Interests and Nurturing Development) was studied in an attempt to determine strategies of differentiated instruction which could be employed for gifted elementary students in a regular education classroom. This study used the qualitative research method of phenomenology. Data collected through observations, questionnaires, classroom and student artifacts and an interview to understand the experiences of the participants. The study concluded that an independent study project is a viable option for supporting students in the regular education classroom. This is especially true if the independent study is supported through pre-assessment, conferencing and goal setting. The study also concluded that teachers and students believe that providing gifted students with challenging work is necessary for their intellectual growth