Chapter 15 Learners with Special Gifts and Talents Presented by Whitley Starnes Jordan Kinn Brianna Huff

Definition There is no set definition for learners with special gifts and talents. Criteria for Giftedness Excellence Rarity Demonstrability Productivity Value

Characteristics Outstanding memory Early reader Enjoys learning Thrives on complexity May be impatient or intolerant Diverse interests Gets totally absorbed in activities and thoughts Asks thoughtful questions Independent worker http://www.adifferentplace.org/characteristics.htm

vs Gifted Students Bright Students Knows the answers Is interested Has good ideas Enjoys school Good memorizer Enjoys peers Learns with ease Listens with interest Asks the questions Is highly curious Has creative ideas Enjoys learning Good guesser Prefers adults Already knows Shows strong feeling and opinions http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yU9dQt_SSNI&feature http://www.adifferentplace.org/brightchild.htm

Educational Considerations Enrichment Adding/Altering to the curriculum Advance Placement courses (AP) Acceleration Involves moving a student ahead academically Admitting a child to school early Skipping one or more grades Attending classes with students in higher grades for one or a few specific subjects Early admission to high school or college Other options include: Resource rooms Community mentor programs Independent study programs

Do’s and Don'ts Do’s Don’ts Teach good curriculum Use good instruction Individually pace lessons Give students a higher degree of difficulty work Encourage students to take risks using “Supported Risk” Ask students to do what they already know and then make them wait for their peers to catch up Ask students to do more of the same stuff “faster” Leave student alone for long periods of time Give students tasks to “fill time” Make students spend all their time as a tutor My Education Lab

Neglected Groups Underachievers Females Low socioeconomic status and remote areas Cultural- and ethnic-minorities Disabled

Resources PBS Design Squad http://pbskids.org/designsquad/index.html