Potential is multifaceted and dynamic, yet it often goes unrecognized at school. To address this, materials are needed that not only incorporate current research but have also been field-tested in schools. The LUPE-Toolbox provides such materials, offering support to teachers in identifying and fostering their students’ potential in mathematics and natural sciences.

The LUPE-Toolbox is grounded in the Talent Development in Achievement Domains (TAD) framework (Preckel et al., 2020). The TAD framework conceptualizes the process of talent development from potential to achievement in four developmental levels that build on each other: from aptitude to competence, expertise, and transformational achievement (for further details, see Preckel et al., 2020).

In the LUPE project, a Talent model for mathematics and natural sciences has been developed that is based on the TAD framework (Krischler et al., 2021; Mack et al., 2021). Drawing from research literature, teaching practice, and German federal state curricula, talent characteristics were identified that are related to potential in the domains of mathematics and natural science. Furthermore, observable behaviors in classroom settings were defined to help recognize these characteristics.

In collaboration with experts from subject-specific pedagogy, educational psychology, and empirical educational research, diagnostic teaching materials were subsequently developed. Teachers participating in the LUPE project tested these first material drafts multiple times and provided feedback on their clarity, practical applicability in the classroom, and usefulness in identifying (new) potential. This feedback was used to refine the materials in the LUPE-Toolbox and to add examples that facilitate the evaluation of students’ behavior.

The LUPE-Toolbox combines various methods that teachers can use to identify potential of their students, including observations, interviews, student self-assessments, and the evaluation of classroom products. Each method offers its own perspective on performance and potential. To achieve a comprehensive understanding, these methods are combined and the information gained is integrated.

Overall, the LUPE-Toolbox provides a wide range of practical, field-tested materials that can be used as modular components in the classroom. Teachers have the flexibility to adapt these materials to their specific class and teaching context. However, the diagnostic situations must remain unchanged and are labeled as "core elements" for this purpose. For successful implementation, teachers are encouraged to participate in LUPE training courses and refer to the LUPE-Toolbox manual.

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