Committed Scholar

David Dai Honored for Work in Educating the Gifted

David Yun Dai is being honored by the National Association for Gifted Children. (Photo by Mark Schmidt)

Dai, a professor in the Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology at UAlbany’s School of Education, was honored for his long-term commitment to excellence in scholarship in the field of gifted education and talent development.

"This award reflects the esteem in which Professor Dai's scholarship is held by his colleagues,” said Robert Bangert-Drowns, dean of the School of Education. He has thoughtfully advocated a more developmental view of giftedness and talent, which extends the ways we think about instruction for learners with special strengths."

Dai will receive the award at the NAGC 64th Annual Convention, set for Nov. 9-12 in Charlotte, N.C. During his presentation, Dai will discuss his vision for the future of gifted education and outline a research agenda based on his “Evolving Complexity Theory” of talent development.

“NAGC is committed to providing opportunities and resources to better understand and serve all gifted and talented children,” said M. René Islas, NAGC’s executive director. “The awards program shines a light on those who are making a difference in supporting gifted children as they reach to achieve their personal best.”

NAGC said in its statement about Dai’s honor that gifted and talented children learn differently than their peers. “Research such as Dr. Dai’s adds to the field of knowledge on how best to help these students as they strive to reach their best academically and socially.”

NAGC is a membership organization whose mission is to support those who enhance the growth and development of gifted and talented children through education, advocacy, community building, and research.

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