Discovering and dismantling enormous barriers hindering the transition from transactional to transformational giftedness

Abstract

Shifting gifted education away from transactional toward transformational giftedness will enable the brightest, most talented young people to strengthen their ethical awareness, appreciate big problems and issues, and contribute to the betterment of the world over the long term. Many of today's big problems and issues are barriers that will work against the transition to transformational giftedness. In order to make that transition, students, educators, policymakers, and citizens must understand these barriers so they can develop the big-picture vision necessary for supporting and sustaining the practical work involved in ethical educational change. This chapter explains the results of an interdisciplinary exploration of the barriers that will impede the transition to transformational giftedness. It includes recommendations for dismantling these barriers so the transition can be made more effectively.