Talent Discovery

For nearly 40 years, Duke University’s Talent Identification Program (TIP) has been one of the nation’s best-known options for providing talent identification and development for precollegiate students. Duke decided to discontinue its program last year, leaving a void for students who qualify for gifted education. Baylor’s School of Education is now filling in the gap.

Todd Kettler, B.A. ’91, M.S.Ed. ’94, Ph.D. ’12, is associate professor, educational psychology chair and gifted education program coordinator at Baylor.

“When your child is a great basketball player, you send them to elite basketball camps,” Kettler said. “Students who are gifted with academic and creative talents can similarly hone their skills at university programs where they can become more competitive for college admission and explore career options.”

Under the direction of clinical assistant professor Jennifer Robins, B.S.Ed. ’98, M.S.Ed. ’00, Ph.D. ’10, Baylor is adding a talent search program that will greatly expand the University’s services for gifted students.

“Given our 38-year history of offering enrichment programs for gifted students, it was natural for Baylor to step up and develop a more robust and inclusive talent identification program,” Robins said.

Through the program, students take a college-readiness assessment in an earlier grade than would be customary — a strategy called above-level testing. Baylor TIP will roll out the implementation of above-level testing opportunities, customized educational recommendations and new programs this academic year.