What is a gifted student?

There is no universal definition No Child Left Behind says, The term “gifted and talented”, when used with respect to students, children, or youth, means students, children, or youth who give evidence of high achievement capability in areas such as intellectual, creative, artistic, or leadership capacity, or in specific academic fields, and who need services or activities not ordinarily provided by the school in order to fully develop those capabilities

Some professionals define "gifted" as an intelligence test score above 130, two or more standard deviations above the norm, or the top 2.5%.  Others define "gifted" based on scholastic achievement: a gifted child works 2 or more grade levels above his or her age

Even though everyone does not agree on the definition of “Gifted”, It is obvious the regular curriculum can’t possible provide the challenge these students need to move forward in their learning.

Possible problems that may be Associated with Characteristic strengths of gifted children

Strengths Possible Problems Acquires/retains information quickly Inquisitive Intrinsic motivation Enjoys problem-solving Impatient with others; dislikes basic routine Asks embarrassing questions Strong-willed; resists direction Resist routine practice

Strengths Problems (cont’) Seeks cause-effect Emphasizes truth, equity, and fair play Seeks to organize things and people Advanced vocabulary Dislikes unclear/ illogical areas Worries about humanitarian concerns. Often seen as bossy May use words to manipulate, bored with age-peers

Strengths Problems (cont’) High expectations of self and others Creative/inventive; likes new ways of doing things Long attention span and persistence in areas of interest Perfectionist, may be depressed May be seen as disruptive and out of step Resists interruption; stubbornness; neglects duties or people during periods of focus;

Strengths Problems (cont’) Sensitivity, empathy: desire to be accepted High energy, alertness Eagerness Independent Sensitivity to criticism or peer rejection Frustration with inactivity May hyperactive May reject input from others

Strengths Problems (cont’) Diverse interest and abilities Strong sense of humor May be disorganized frustrated over lack of time Peers my misunderstand humor; may become class clown fro attention.

Being gifted is not necessarily a positive experience Being gifted is not necessarily a positive experience. Students often times experience rejection from educators in which conformity is expected.

We teach students to appreciate diversity in ethnic and cultural terms, we as educators need to extend that mindset to differences to learning ability

We need to consider giftedness as simply another difference and make gifted kids as welcome in our classrooms as any other students.

Resources http://www.ericec.org/digests/e527.html http://www.forestlake.k12.mn.us/teaching_and_learning/gifted_services/characteristics_of_gifted_students/ http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/characteristics.htm http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b603/gate/Characteristics.htm