DEVELOPING COMPETENCES OF EDUCATIONAL SPECIALISTS IN WORKING WITH GIFTED CHILDREN AND STUDENTS AT THE BEGINNING OF XXI CENTURY

This paper presents a study on the need to develop forms of training for teachers and other educational professionals who wish to acquire competences in working with gifted children and students. The study has been conducted with participants in the course “Professional Development and Support Training for Outstanding Educators”.
Constructivism provides opportunities for applying relevant research methodology, and obtaining systematic results. Problems and perspectives in working with gifted children and students are outlined. Conclusions about the competences of pedagogical specialists are drawn, and teachers’ pertinent personal characteristics are singled out.