The Frances A. Karnes Center for Gifted Studies

Purpose


The Center for Gifted Studies was established in 1979 to further the education of gifted students through teaching, research, and services. Emphasis is also placed on these areas of others interested in the gifted: teachers, administrators, parents, counselors, psychologists, and other concerned citizens. The center was renamed The Frances A. Karnes Center for Gifted Studies in 1999.

Services
A variety of services is available through the center. Instructional programs are provided for intellectually gifted students in grades Pre K through 12. A program to develop leadership concepts and skills is offered for students enrolled in grades six through 11. An accelerated academic three-week program is conducted in the summer. Teacher training and in-service education are provided for regular education personnel and for teachers who specialize in gifted education. A conference for parents of gifted youth and other concerned adults is conducted on an annual basis. Girls grade 7-12 and their mothers can attend an annual conference that explores career opportunities for girls. Research is conducted in rural and urban schools for a variety of purposes. For those people with special interests in gifted students, the director of the Center will explore services that can be specifically designed to meet those concerns. The services available through the Center include, but are not limited to, the following:

Services for Youth

The Saturday Gifted Studies Program meets seven consecutive Saturdays starting in mid-January. Intellectually gifted students in grades Pre-K through 12 with intelligence quotient of 120 or above or with achievement scores at the 90th percentile or above are served through a wide variety of courses in the humanities, foreign languages, science and technology, and the arts. Financial aid is available based on need.

The Summer Gifted Studies Program, a one-week residential activity, is designed for intellectually gifted students in grades four through eight. Content areas are combined with processing skills to enable the students to explore societal connections. Recreational and cultural activities are included. Financial aid is available based on need.

The Leadership Studies Program, a one week residential program for students in grades six through eleven who have a desire to develop and enhance their leadership concepts and skills, is conducted in the summer. Students also engage in recreational/cultural activities. Financial aid is available based on need.

The Summer Program for Academically Talented Youth, a three-week residential program, is designed for students in grades seven through 10 who qualify based on SAT of ACT results. A variety of interactive, fast-paced courses are offered such as pre-calculus mathematics including algebra I and II, geometry, trigonometry and modern analysis; psychology; creative writing; human geography; physics, marine biology, anatomy/physiology; polymer science; genetic; forensic science; and other sciences; debate; mythology; journalism public speaking’ and foreign languages. The program is designed to include appropriate academic cultural and recreational experiences. The University of Southern Mississippi offers the program through cooperative efforts with the Duke University Talent Identification Program. Financial aid is available based on need.

The Career Exploration for Girls Conference is held annually for girls in grades seven through 12 and their mothers (or other female adult). The one day conference is free of charge and includes lunch. Female speakers share their knowledge on a variety of career topics including art, business, health care, nutrition, sports, psychology, communication, law, education, marketing, science, technology, finance, social work, architecture, and music. The conference is co-sponsored by the Frances A. Karnes Center for Gifted Studies and Forrest General Hospital’s Spirit of Women.

Services for Parents

The Parenting Gifted Children Conference is held annually in the fall. Parents and other concerned adults gain information from those knowledgeable about the intellectual academic, social-emotional, and other needs of these unique students. Other conferences are designed and conducted as issues arise and areas of concern are expressed. Individual consultation is provided upon request.

Teacher Education Programs

Graduate degree programs with an emphasis area in gifted education are provided at the master’s, specialist, and doctoral levels. Specific training for teachers is offered to those needing certification in the area of gifted education. The Day of Sharing for Teachers of the Gifted is offered twice a year and is designed to provide the most current information on such topics as methods, material, curriculum development, and program evaluation. Time is provided for teachers to share their experience and concerns with others.

Staff Development
Staff development programs are designed for school personnel in response to their needs and interests. Two one-day staff development programs are offered annually.

Research Functions
Center personnel continually conduct research in critical areas. Data have been collected and analyzed for many purposes including, but not limited to screening and identification, curriculum and program development and evaluation. School district personnel and others who have specific research need and interests should contact the director.

The Frances A. Karnes Endowed Scholarship
The Christopher J. Karnes Gifted Education Memorial Fund.

For those who are concerned about the education of the gifted and who wish to make tax deductable contributions, two funds have been established under the auspices of the USM Foundation. The endowments have been established to provide scholarships for graduate students in gifted education.

Friends of Gifted Education
This fund, established in The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation, provides support for financially needy students to attend programs for youth and other notable purposes.

Friends Newsletter

Friends for the Gifted Education Newsletter is a complimentary newsletter published twice a year to inform gifted students, parents, teachers, and other interested adults about the current information and opportunities in the education of the gifted.

Resources at the Center for Gifted Studies

The Center has been recognized at the state and national levels for outstanding contributions in teacher education, research, and service. The many publications and programs have greatly contributed to every aspect in educating gifted youth