Date of Award
Fall 10-10-2018
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctorate of Education, Ed.D.
College
College of Education
Department
Education
First Advisor
Julie McCann, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
Maggie Broderick, Ph.D.
Third Advisor
Jean Swenk, Ph.D.
Abstract
Challenging problems require transdisciplinary, novel solutions. Equity demands that all students receive appropriate services to develop talents and potential, however, poverty limits opportunity. According to the National Association for Gifted Children (2017), approximately 6% to 10% of all students exist within the gifted and talented range. A specific subset of this demographic, underrepresented gifted and talented (UGT) student fail to receive appropriate access to develop their creativity and leadership potential. Grounded in the Human Ecology Theory (Bronfenbrenner, 1979), this case study argues that talent development requires arts education to enrich and support UGT students. Application of a qualitative case study, design process allowed authentic interviews of professionals working in the fields of gifted and talented education, fine art, elementary education, and student advocacy to develop. The themes and opinions regarding equity, UGT students, and arts education discovered in this study provide salient recommendations for the academic community.