PHP E5 - Empowering Gifted Learners: Insights with Lynne Henwood

In this episode of The Pulse of High Performance, Lynne Henwood, Head of FlexSchool’s Cloud Campus, joins the hosts to discuss how we can better support gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) learners. 

Lynne shares her extensive experience advocating for these often misunderstood students, highlighting the importance of personalized education and the need for both gifted and special education services. 

The conversation covers the challenges these learners face, such as asynchronous development and learning disabilities, and how FlexSchool addresses their needs by embracing a strength-based, inclusive educational model. 

Lynne also delves into her work shaping public policy and the creation of the cloud-based school to meet the unique demands of 2e students, both in traditional and virtual environments.

• Twice-Exceptional Learners (2e)

Lynne explains that 2e learners are intellectually gifted but also have learning challenges like ADHD or dyslexia. 

These students often display strengths in certain areas, but struggle in others, requiring a balance of gifted education and special needs support.

•  FlexSchool’s Strength-Based Approach

At FlexSchool, the focus is on students’ strengths rather than their weaknesses. Students are given opportunities to showcase their knowledge in ways that best suit them, whether through creative projects, presentations, or other personalized methods.

• Building Trust and Community

Lynne emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where 2e learners feel understood and supported. 

This begins with building trust between students, teachers, and families, especially since many of these children have faced challenges in traditional school settings.

• Virtual Learning and Personalized Support

FlexSchool’s virtual Cloud Campus emerged as an effective learning environment for many 2e students. 

Lynne discusses how the flexibility of the virtual model allows students to control their environment, which helps reduce anxiety and allows their intellectual abilities to shine.

• Policy and Advocacy

Lynne shares her role in shaping educational policy to better serve gifted and 2e learners. 

Her advocacy work includes helping pass laws that ensure equitable identification and support for these students, both in New Jersey and beyond.

 This episode with Lynne Henwood highlighted the critical need for understanding and supporting gifted and twice-exceptional learners. 

By focusing on their strengths, fostering trust, and creating tailored educational environments, we can help these students thrive both academically and emotionally. 

Lynne’s advocacy and expertise offer a path forward for educators and leaders committed to inclusive and innovative education practices. 

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