The LEAP Online Modules for Differentiating Instruction employ a proven learning structure that will guide and support you through differentiating the learning experiences of your most able learners. Each self-paced module includes readings, videos, unique application activities, PLC guides, and other resources curated by developers Jessica LaFollette and Teresa M. Reddish.

The modules also include new videos and contributions from top scholars and practitioners on differentiation, including Brittany Anderson, Lynette Breedlove, Donna Y. Ford, Shelagh Gallagher, Brian Housand, Tracy Inman, Andi McNair, Jessica Potts, Sally Reis, Julia L. Roberts, Lisa Van Gemert, and Marcy Voss.

The LEAP Guidebook for Differentiating Instruction for Gifted and High-Potential Students is required to complete the modules. Upon the successful completion of a module, you will receive a certificate of completion to showcase your achievement.

The LEAP Online Modules for Differentiating Instruction include the following:

• Module 1: Using the Effective DI Practices
• Module 2: Embedding Culture Into DI
• Module 3: Nurturing the DI Mindset
• Module 4: Using AI Tools to Differentiate Instruction and Assessment
• Module 5: Organizing and Managing Your DI Classroom

This self-study module is part of NAGC's 5-module professional learning series on differentiated instruction. The basis for the series is the LEAP professional learning framework: Lead (with) Effective (and) Actionable Practice. 

Upon successful completion of this module, you will have these essential understandings

• Effective DI classrooms have clearly established but flexible routines.  
• Respectful tasks for all learners and groups set high expectations.
• Ongoing assessments provide growth-oriented feedback for learners and fair evaluation.
• Defensible DI decisions must be based on data and clearly communicated to students, parents, and administration.

LEAP is rooted in NAGC’s belief that educators intentionally choose and lead their own learning and that of their students by using effective and actionable strategies that are applied through a cycle of reflective practice and improvement. When you Take the LEAP, you direct your own learning, evaluate strategies, roll up your sleeves, and keep moving forward!

Module Copyright 2024 National Association for Gifted Children. All Rights Reserved.

Module Navigation

This self-study module has four sections: Engage, Learn, Apply, and Reflect & Assess. Note that the module sections are referred to as "chapters" in a few places on the platform. As you progress through each section, you'll find that you must complete some tasks before others are available. Once the tasks are completed, you will be able to go back and access them. The module also includes several downloadable documents that you can file or print for your own record keeping or share with your district. Once you fully complete the module, you'll be able to download a certificate to share with your district.

Available LEAP Differentiating Instruction Modules

• Differentiating Instruction Module 1. Using the Effective DI Practices
• Differentiating Instruction Module 2. Embedding Culture Into DI
• Differentiating Instruction Module 3. Nurturing the DI Mindset
• Differentiating Instruction Module 4. Using AI Tools to Differentiate Instruction and Assessment
• Differentiating Instruction Module 5. Organizing and Managing Your DI Classroom

Module Contributors

Thank you to the following individuals who contributed their expertise to these modules: Brittany Anderson, Lynette Breedlove, Donna Y. Ford, Shelagh Gallagher, Brian Housand, Tracy Inman, Andi McNair, Jessica Potts, Sally Reis, Julia L. Roberts, Lisa Van Gemert, and Marcy Voss

Module Reviewers

Thank you to our LEAP Curriculum Design Module reviewers:  Kimberle Curtis, Melissa Edmonds, Kristen Job, Katie Lewis, Carl Lund, Melanie Meyer, Emily Mofield, Bailey Nafziger, and Emily Stefanich.

Pride Month is an annual celebration of the many contributions made by the LGBTQ+ community to history, society and cultures worldwide. In most places, Pride is celebrated throughout the month of June each year in commemoration of its roots in the Stonewall Riots of June 1969.  This webinar will present the origins of this celebrated movement as well as the gifted individuals whose leadership made Pride happen.

Join the NAGC legislative advocacy team as they share what to expect in 2025 and beyond, including how to navigate changes to the House and Senate, likely advocates for gifted education, and potential legislation to follow. Leave with action items you can take to increase advocacy for gifted education and next steps members need to take in the Javits Dear Colleague campaign.

This self-study module is part of NAGC's 5-module professional learning series on differentiated instruction. The basis for the series is the LEAP professional learning framework: Lead (with) Effective (and) Actionable Practice. 

Upon successful completion of this module, you will have these essential understandings:

• Generative artificial intelligence can be a helpful tool for DI when paired with professional expertise and an understanding of student needs.
• Prompt engineering skills are necessary for teachers and students to achieve the best possible results from any generative AI tool.
• All output from generative AI must be carefully examined for cultural bias and accuracy.
• Generative AI and other technical tools cannot replace the personal and professional expertise of a human teacher.

LEAP is rooted in NAGC’s belief that educators intentionally choose and lead their own learning and that of their students by using effective and actionable strategies that are applied through a cycle of reflective practice and improvement. When you Take the LEAP, you direct your own learning, evaluate strategies, roll up your sleeves, and keep moving forward!

Module Copyright 2024 National Association for Gifted Children. All Rights Reserved.

Module Navigation

This self-study module has four sections: Engage, Learn, Apply, and Reflect & Assess. Note that the module sections are referred to as "chapters" in a few places on the platform. As you progress through each section, you'll find that you must complete some tasks before others are available. Once the tasks are completed, you will be able to go back and access them. The module also includes several downloadable documents that you can file or print for your own record keeping or share with your district. Once you fully complete the module, you'll be able to download a certificate to share with your district.

Available LEAP Differentiating Instruction Modules

• Differentiating Instruction Module 1. Using the Effective DI Practices
• Differentiating Instruction Module 2. Embedding Culture Into DI
• Differentiating Instruction Module 3. Nurturing the DI Mindset
• Differentiating Instruction Module 4. Using AI Tools to Differentiate Instruction and Assessment
• Differentiating Instruction Module 5. Organizing and Managing Your DI Classroom

Module Contributors

Thank you to the following individuals who contributed their expertise to these modules: Brittany Anderson, Lynette Breedlove, Donna Y. Ford, Shelagh Gallagher, Brian Housand, Tracy Inman, Andi McNair, Jessica Potts, Sally Reis, Julia L. Roberts, Lisa Van Gemert, and Marcy Voss

Module Reviewers

Thank you to our LEAP Curriculum Design Module reviewers:  Kimberle Curtis, Melissa Edmonds, Kristen Job, Katie Lewis, Carl Lund, Melanie Meyer, Emily Mofield, Bailey Nafziger, and Emily Stefanich.

This self-study module is part of NAGC's 5-module professional learning series on differentiated instruction. The basis for the series is the LEAP professional learning framework: Lead (with) Effective (and) Actionable Practice. 

Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• Explore the benefits of student growth mindsets vs fixed mindset in the gifted classroom. 
• Analyze the role of mindsets in building a differentiated classroom. 
• Establish a classroom environment that promotes a growth mindset.
• Apply DI strategies that encourage risk-taking in the classroom.

LEAP is rooted in NAGC’s belief that educators intentionally choose and lead their own learning and that of their students by using effective and actionable strategies that are applied through a cycle of reflective practice and improvement. When you Take the LEAP, you direct your own learning, evaluate strategies, roll up your sleeves, and keep moving forward!

Module Copyright 2024 National Association for Gifted Children. All Rights Reserved.

Module Navigation

This self-study module has four sections: Engage, Learn, Apply, and Reflect & Assess. Note that the module sections are referred to as "chapters" in a few places on the platform. As you progress through each section, you'll find that you must complete some tasks before others are available. Once the tasks are completed, you will be able to go back and access them. The module also includes several downloadable documents that you can file or print for your own record keeping or share with your district. Once you fully complete the module, you'll be able to download a certificate to share with your district.

Available LEAP Differentiating Instruction Modules

• Differentiating Instruction Module 1. Using the Effective DI Practices
• Differentiating Instruction Module 2. Embedding Culture Into DI
• Differentiating Instruction Module 3. Nurturing the DI Mindset
• Differentiating Instruction Module 4. Using AI Tools to Differentiate Instruction and Assessment
• Differentiating Instruction Module 5. Organizing and Managing Your DI Classroom

Module Contributors

Thank you to the following individuals who contributed their expertise to these modules: Brittany Anderson, Lynette Breedlove, Donna Y. Ford, Shelagh Gallagher, Brian Housand, Tracy Inman, Andi McNair, Jessica Potts, Sally Reis, Julia L. Roberts, Lisa Van Gemert, and Marcy Voss

Module Reviewers

Thank you to our LEAP Curriculum Design Module reviewers:  Kimberle Curtis, Melissa Edmonds, Kristen Job, Katie Lewis, Carl Lund, Melanie Meyer, Emily Mofield, Bailey Nafziger, and Emily Stefanich.

This self-study module is part of NAGC's 5-module professional learning series on differentiated instruction. The basis for the series is the LEAP professional learning framework: Lead (with) Effective (and) Actionable Practice. 

Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• Consider how assumptions we make about gifted students from diverse backgrounds may affect the way we present lessons.
• Apply DI strategies to honor the different cultural knowledge and skills that gifted students bring to the classroom.
• Analyze rigorous DI tasks and resources for cultural relevance across all content areas. 
• Identify ways to build relationships with students by learning from and with their communities. 

LEAP is rooted in NAGC’s belief that educators intentionally choose and lead their own learning and that of their students by using effective and actionable strategies that are applied through a cycle of reflective practice and improvement. When you Take the LEAP, you direct your own learning, evaluate strategies, roll up your sleeves, and keep moving forward!

Module Copyright 2024 National Association for Gifted Children. All Rights Reserved.

Module Navigation

This self-study module has four sections: Engage, Learn, Apply, and Reflect & Assess. Note that the module sections are referred to as "chapters" in a few places on the platform. As you progress through each section, you'll find that you must complete some tasks before others are available. Once the tasks are completed, you will be able to go back and access them. The module also includes several downloadable documents that you can file or print for your own record keeping or share with your district. Once you fully complete the module, you'll be able to download a certificate to share with your district.

Available LEAP Differentiating Instruction Modules

• Differentiating Instruction Module 1. Using the Effective DI Practices
• Differentiating Instruction Module 2. Embedding Culture Into DI
• Differentiating Instruction Module 3. Nurturing the DI Mindset
• Differentiating Instruction Module 4. Using AI Tools to Differentiate Instruction and Assessment
• Differentiating Instruction Module 5. Organizing and Managing Your DI Classroom

Module Contributors

Thank you to the following individuals who contributed their expertise to these modules: Brittany Anderson, Lynette Breedlove, Donna Y. Ford, Shelagh Gallagher, Brian Housand, Tracy Inman, Andi McNair, Jessica Potts, Sally Reis, Julia L. Roberts, Lisa Van Gemert, and Marcy Voss

Module Reviewers

Thank you to our LEAP Curriculum Design Module reviewers:  Kimberle Curtis, Melissa Edmonds, Kristen Job, Katie Lewis, Carl Lund, Melanie Meyer, Emily Mofield, Bailey Nafziger, and Emily Stefanich.

This self-study module is part of NAGC's 5-module professional learning series on differentiated instruction. The basis for the series is the LEAP professional learning framework: Lead (with) Effective (and) Actionable Practice. 

Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• Apply higher order thinking frameworks to differentiate questioning and assessment.
• Analyze preassessment data for students with varying abilities and interests.
• Apply principles of curriculum compacting and ongoing assessment.
• Differentiate instruction within a problem-based inquiry task.

LEAP is rooted in NAGC’s belief that educators intentionally choose and lead their own learning and that of their students by using effective and actionable strategies that are applied through a cycle of reflective practice and improvement. When you Take the LEAP, you direct your own learning, evaluate strategies, roll up your sleeves, and keep moving forward!

Module Copyright 2024 National Association for Gifted Children. All Rights Reserved.

Module Navigation

This self-study module has four sections: Engage, Learn, Apply, and Reflect & Assess. Note that the module sections are referred to as "chapters" in a few places on the platform. As you progress through each section, you'll find that you must complete some tasks before others are available. Once the tasks are completed, you will be able to go back and access them. The module also includes several downloadable documents that you can file or print for your own record keeping or share with your district. Once you fully complete the module, you'll be able to download a certificate to share with your district.

Available LEAP Differentiating Instruction Modules

• Differentiating Instruction Module 1. Using the Effective DI Practices
• Differentiating Instruction Module 2. Embedding Culture Into DI
• Differentiating Instruction Module 3. Nurturing the DI Mindset
• Differentiating Instruction Module 4. Using AI Tools to Differentiate Instruction and Assessment
• Differentiating Instruction Module 5. Organizing and Managing Your DI Classroom

Module Contributors

Thank you to the following individuals who contributed their expertise to these modules: Brittany Anderson, Lynette Breedlove, Donna Y. Ford, Shelagh Gallagher, Brian Housand, Tracy Inman, Andi McNair, Jessica Potts, Sally Reis, Julia L. Roberts, Lisa Van Gemert, and Marcy Voss

Module Reviewers

Thank you to our LEAP Curriculum Design Module reviewers:  Kimberle Curtis, Melissa Edmonds, Kristen Job, Katie Lewis, Carl Lund, Melanie Meyer, Emily Mofield, Bailey Nafziger, and Emily Stefanich.

Recordings now available! The Opportunity and Access Symposium 2025 is a premier virtual event designed to empower educators, school leaders, and advocates committed to expanding opportunities in gifted and advanced learning programs. Hosted online on May 29, 2025, this engaging and thought-provoking symposium provides practical strategies and research-driven insights to help schools and districts recognize, support, and elevate high-ability students from all backgrounds.

Designed for teachers, administrators, and education professionals, the symposium features expert-led sessions on effective identification practices, student and family engagement, and building school and district infrastructures that foster inclusive access to advanced learning opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable tools to enhance their programs and drive meaningful change in gifted education. If you missed this event, you can still register for and view the recordings through December 31, 2025!

As educators of future leaders, it is imperative that teachers of gifted students be given the chance to continually improve their craft. However, advanced professional development and leadership opportunities for gifted educators are rare. This presentation will offer recommendations for teachers who are looking for ways to develop as instructors and gifted advocates, both individually and in conjunction with administrators.