Threshold Program for Advanced or Gifted Youth hosted for over 35 Years

(ABILENE, Texas)–This past week, Hardin-Simmons University hosted the second session of the 36th Threshold Program for Advanced or Gifted Youth. The Threshold Program is “a summer enrichment program for advanced and gifted learners” held at HSU each year. The program began in 1983 when Dr. Bertie Kingore decided to develop a program for gifted students, a topic she had spent much of her professional career researching.  

A History of Threshold

Kingore began working at HSU in 1980 as an assistant professor of education. She was named a Cullen Professor for outstanding performance in teaching and research in both 1984 and 1988 for her work on the Threshold program. Over her long career, Kingore published 27 books, as well as several articles in professional journals, including a book series offering instruction for educators of gifted children on adding rigor and engagement that once stood as the benchmark for the Gifted and Talented education community.

For more than the past 20 years, Dr. Mary Christopher has directed the program, leading it to new heights. During her doctoral work, Christopher focused her research and dissertation on creating appropriate services for gifted collegiate students. Upon completion of her degree, Christopher decided to apply her vast knowledge to a younger population.

The Importance of Community

A student draws a picture while in her Threshold class.

Christopher explains that “with the shift towards teaching to a test, many things gifted kids enjoy learning about are not taught. This program gives them the opportunity to study things they wouldn’t get to in school, or to go more in-depth than they would go in school.”

Many gifted students analyze the world from a critical thinking perspective. They often search for new ways to solve problems but are restricted in traditional classroom environments. Programs like Threshold allow these students to embrace their creativity and curiosity alongside likeminded individuals.

“Threshold meets the needs of the gifted population that is often left to fend for themselves,” says educator Emily Meador.  “As one gifted third-grader told us this week ‘These are my people.’”

An Education for Educators

In the 1990s, Threshold served around 100 children annually. Now, the camp’s annual attendance reaches upwards of 400 students over the two week-long sessions. Teachers with master’s degrees in gifted education work alongside graduate students to lead each classroom.

Threshold students are eager to answer their teacher’s question.

These graduate interns often already work as full-time teachers are working towards earning their degrees in gifted education. Along with helping around the classroom, the interns also prepare parent seminars three times throughout the week on varying topics relating to gifted students.

“Threshold is a great opportunity for gifted kids to be challenged in their learning and to work with other kids who are like them,” says educator and HSU alumna Jennifer Crisp. “At Threshold, in our classes, we try to do lots of experiential learning. It is great to have that opportunity to give kids an experience they may not get at school.”

For those seeking a Master of Education in Gifted Education, Threshold acts not only to hone their gifted education skills and interact with gifted kids but also as a practicum experience. “It (Threshold) reminds me why I got this (teaching) degree. I got this degree to help people,” says first-time Threshold graduate intern Rachel Stearns.

Undergraduate students studying to become teachers are also invited to observe the classrooms. Many future educators get a glimpse of gifted education through their student teaching, but the opportunity to interact with so many gifted students at once is as rare as it is beneficial.

Middle school students in the Threshold Program use their creativity to solve complex problems.

 “We have had some good discussion about how we need to change our teaching styles to fit every student as individuals,” says HSU student Madeline Lowry.

HSU student Elizabeth Baum expounded, “Humans are born diverse, so you have to be able to reach and embrace those needs.”

Students participating in Threshold partake in activities and events designed specifically for each age group. Middle school students choose which program they are most interested in, while elementary students remain in a preselected program throughout the week.

Serving the Community

Historically, the Threshold students also work together to gather art supplies or books to donate to local nonprofits.  In 2015, students were asked to collect new and gently used books for Abilene students who may not have easy access to reading materials. In 2016, the students composed bins of art supplies to be delivered to refugee children through the International Rescue Committee organization. Threshold has also worked to benefit the Noah Project through their donation of supplies.

In a 2016 interview, Christopher said she often uses the phrase, “to whom much is given, much is expected,” when speaking with Threshold students. Many gifted students express a need to give back and help those around them. By including service projects in the curriculum, Threshold nurtures students in more ways than just academically.

“I want to encourage and develop a love of learning in these kids,” says Christopher. “I am so glad that Dr. Kingore thought of this and I am so blessed to have been a part of it for all these years.”