Middle schools continue to be a “turning point” in a student’s education, yet too few middle schools provide substantive gifted education programs. This session offers new insights in understanding gifted adolescents and improving their middle school experiences. Specific instructional strategies for gifted and advanced learners will be presented and resources and co-curricular programs specific to the needs of gifted students will be shared. Connections are made to “This We Believe,” an idealistic philosophy guiding middle schools on how they should function. Participants will receive "Educating Gifted Students in Middle School: A Practical Guide (2nd Ed.)".