In 1960, 12th-grade students from Spaulding High School participated in a study known as Project TALENT. At the time, Project TALENT was the largest and most comprehensive study of high school students ever conducted in the United States. It was administered in 1960 by the American Institutes for Research in partnership with the U.S. Office of Education.  Across the country, 1,300 schools, including the Spaulding High School class of 1960, participated in several days of testing that measured aptitude and ability in language, mathematics, and reasoning.  In addition, students answered hundreds of questions about family background, health, and career and educational goals.

The Project TALENT study produced much valuable information and has been the basis for over 350 published studies.  It has helped researchers, educators, and counselors to better understand and develop the talents and abilities of students and to guide them into fields of work and study that will allow them to reach their full potential and to achieve success and happiness in their chosen path. Over the years, we have received inquiries about Project TALENT from original participants who have indicated that the study was an important part of their high school experience.

Many researchers from a wide range of fields - including sociology, psychology, and economics - believe that a follow-up study of the original Project TALENT participants will produce information that will advance knowledge in such areas as health, education, and aging, and ultimately improve the well-being of millions of Americans.  The American Institutes for Research is currently working toward a possible 50-year follow-up study. However, the success of this project depends upon the participation of as many of the original 1960 participants as possible. The 50th reunion celebrations that many Project TALENT classes will be holding in 2010 provide an excellent opportunity to engage with the class of 1960. We would like to speak with a reunion organizer from the Spaulding High School class of 1960 about the possibility of a representative from Project TALENT briefly attending some of their reunion activities to provide information about Project TALENT since 1960 and the possibility of a future follow-up study.

By participating in this research, the Spaulding High School class of 1960 has an opportunity to tell their story and to help improve policies in the areas of health, education, and retirement. If you can help us in this important research by providing information about an alumni organizer for the class of 1960, please contact Melissa Wentzel at mwentzel@air.org<mailto:mwentzel@air.org> or by phone at (202) 403-6563. Alternatively, please feel free to pass along these contact details to a graduate of the Spaulding High School class of 1960. You can also find more information about Project TALENT on our website: www.projecttalent.org<http://www.projecttalent.org/>.


Kind Regards,


Susan Lapham
Director, Project TALENT
American Institutes for Research
1990 K Street, NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20006