RITHA programme

Paper

Ksenija Ranogajec Benaković, RITHA specialist on Gifted Education
Association „Wind at the back “– European Talent Point
Participant in RITHA „Train-the-trainers“Programme

RITHA PROGRAM
Abstract

Every student deserves to have education according to his/her educational needs. Every child has right to learn something new every day. The vision of the RITHA program is the world in which everyone, including most gifted children, will fulfill their potentials. To achieve this goal, it is needed to improve educational systems and to increase the knowledge and experience of teachers, psychologist and caregivers about gifted children all over the world.
Radboud University, one of the top 30 Universities in the Europe, developed the RITHA program (RadbourdCSW Internation Training on High Ability). RITHA programme is post graduate, research based programme, in accordance with the European Counsil of High Ability and in cooperation with University of Münster. The aim of the programme is to teach counselors and teachers how to recognize and nurture highly able students and adults to achieve their potentials. It is a blended programme, largely online, with three corresponding seminars. It consists of 30 EC and lasts for 18 months.
Highly qualified, inspired teachers with immense expertise, personal approach, creative, open and supportive environment are qualities of this training. Participants can improve their understanding of the most important theories, and get an insight into the latest research in the field of gifted education. They are encouraged to express their views and opinions on what they have read during discussions and implement new knowledge into daily practice. After competition, participants will receive RU certificate and ECHA diploma.
One of the guiding thoughts of the whole training is mentioned in the statement of Dr. Lianne Hoogeveen, Programme Director of the Radboud International Training on High Ability (RITHA): “Those who work with gifted students should avoid labeling them. Instead, cater to their specific needs at school. I believe the question to be asked should be: What does this specific child, adolescent or adult need, and what is the best way to offer this?”
Future ECHA specialists will be part of an international network of professional experts on giftedness, who only settle for evidence-based applications and never stop learning.