Joseph Renzulli, a professor of Educational Psychology in UConn's Neag School of Education, was presented on Sept. 29 with the prestigious Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education.
In addition to being a professor, Renzulli is also director of the National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented at UConn.
He has made improving education his life's work.
The Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education recognizes three individuals every year who have dedicated themselves to improving learning in this country and whose work is making a difference today.
Renzulli's extensive research in gifted and talented education and his participation in the development of a new model for developing giftedness in youth made him more than worthy of this prestigious award.
Much of Renzulli's research focuses on reexamining what qualifies someone as being "gifted." His research has caused a field that was obsessed with test scores to rethink their focus.
More recently, his research has been focused on what he calls "intelligences outside the normal curve."
These intelligences span to include traits such as optimism, courage, vision and physical and mental energy.
"If we look at people who have changed the world in good ways … Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, we see in them these kinds of characteristics," Renzulli said.
His definition of giftedness has developed to encompass three main interacting traits (above average ability, task commitment and creativity), with personality and environmental factors as influencing components.
Renzulli insists that giftedness is about far more than test scores.
"We don't know a person's potential just by looking at test scores," Renzulli said.
He added that one of his favorite quotes is from Nelson Mandela, "A good head and a good heart are a formidable combination."
In partnership with his wife, Sally Reis, Renzulli has applied his vast amount of research to create the Schoolwide Enrichment Model which is designed to provide more enrichment opportunities for all kids.
He never expected their model to get so big, explaining that they have been working at it for years.
"If you give a kid an opportunity, support, resources and encouragement, you never know what is going to happen," Renzulli said.
Research has shown that the Schoolwide Education Model is benefitting kids nationwide, and has helped to change Connecticut state guidelines for the identification of "gifted" students.
They are now looking at other dimensions of intelligence, whereas before there was simply an IQ cutoff.
Renzulli's interest in changing the education system stems from experiences in his own education.
When he was in elementary school, a teacher recognized his affinity for writing and aided him in starting a school newspaper through which he could develop these skills.
Having teachers who were interested in his specific strengths and let him be creative in them inspired Renzulli to do the same.
His interest in "the gifted" came while working as a science teacher. Intimidated by his bright students, he started reading, studying, taking courses and trying different approaches to develop these students even further.
An overemphasis on testing and test preparation, as well as a lack of opportunities to develop the creative potential of young people are the main problems plaguing this country's educational system, according to Renzulli.
He explained that what have made this country great are the ideas that people have and their willingness to follow through on them.
Renzulli's initial reaction to winning the McGraw Prize in Education was shock, because his field is so specialized and this award is for education in general.
However, this serves as a testimony to the fact that his work is in fact impacting education at large.
Renzulli plans to continue the work he has been doing all along.
"I have enough ideas for research to last me three lifetimes," Renzulli said.
He will continue in his efforts to make schools more joyous places and improve engagement in learning.
As for the $25,000 prize that comes with winning the award, Renzulli plans to use some to enhance a scholarship fund he and his wife have that supports students seeking master's degrees.
With fervor for the improvement of youth education and a passion for research, it seems this professor has found his gift.
"What's always interesting to us is that his ideas generate so much interest and enthusiasm on his part that he gets excited," said co-worker E. Jean Gubbins, associate professor of educational psychology.
While it is back to the daily grind for Renzulli, he feels that it was very rewarding to be recognized for his work.
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