1. Christine J. Briggs, Ph.D. University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Twice-Exceptional Students: Finding their strengths and supporting their learning
Christine J. Briggs, Ph.D.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette

2. STephanie

3. Categories of 2E
Formally identified as gifted but not having an identified disability
Formally identified as having a disability but not gifted ID
Not formally identified as gifted or disabled – components mask on another – giftedness and the disability not readily apparent

4. Types of Twice-Exceptionality
Gifted student with physical disabilities
Gifted students with sensory disabilities
GT and Asperger Syndrome
GT with Emotional or behavioral disorders
GT with ADHD
GT and Learning Disabilities

5. Characteristics 2E with Learning Disabilities
Struggle with basic skills – cognitive processing difficulties
High Verbal ability with difficulty with written language
Strong observational skills difficulty with memory skills
Attention deficit problems but not in areas of interest
Strong questioning but can be disrespectful when teacher answers the question
Displays unusual imagination, generating ideas – sometimes “bizarre” ideas, divergent in thought
Unwilling to take academic risks
Uses humor to divert attention from school failure
Needs scaffolding in deficit areas but highly independent in other areas = can appear stubborn and inflexible
Sensitive regarding disability areas, highly critical of self and others
May be perceived as a loner – doesn’t fit either GT or LD student - difficulty finding peers
Very focused interests - passion about certain topics to the exclusion of others

6. 2E Video Part 1
While viewing the first portion of the 2E video, consider the following:
Who are 2E? What are the traits, characteristics and behaviors associated with 2E?
Misunderstood behaviors such as dualities, asynchrony – Out of ”sync” with contradictory behaviors
Environmental Supports

7. Post Viewing Part 1
Remediating Weaknesses
Building on Strengths

8. BREAK

9. Viewing 2E Video Part II

10. DEbriefing
How feasible do you think the Bridges Model (enrichment and developing of talents) is for schools today?
What can you do within your work setting to support 2E students?
Why don’t schools pay as much attention to students’ strengths as they do their weaknesses?
What might you do/have done as result of watching the film? How might you talk to parents regarding strengths and challenges for their student?
How can you serve as an advocate for 2E students?

11. Who are 2E? Examples of successful individuals who are 2E
Qualities of one who is 2E
Gifted students with coexisting disabilities = Twice-exceptional or 2E
Confusing to parents, teachers, and other support professionals
Asynchrony – uneven development
Jack Horner – world renowned paleontologist (consultant for Jurassic Park) – difficulty reading and writing = dyslexia
Jim Carey – Actor and comedian (ADHD and depression since childhood)
Picasso – could not read or write and refused to do anything but print
Dr. Temple Grandin – Engineer who designed cattle yards – autistic

12. Famous 2E People #1 At the age of 12 was still unable to read
Remained deficient in reading all of his life
Could memorize entire lectures which was how he got through school
Diagnosed with ADD
Was a US Army officer best know for his leadership in WWII

13. George Patton

14. Famous 2E People #2 Was labeled as ‘slow” as a child
Was fired from the Kansas City Newspaper for not being creative
An American film producer, director, screen writer, voice actor, animator, entrepreneur, entertainer, international icon, and philanthropist

15. Walt Disney

16. Famous 2E People #3 A famous dyslexic female entertainer
Had a math learning disability
She has a challenge with remembering numbers and balancing a checkbook
Referred to as “The Goddess of Pop”
Has won an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, an Emmy Award, three Golden Globes and a Cannes Film Festival Award

17. Cher

18. Famous 2E People #4 Taught herself to read at the age of 4
Received no formal schooling but had tutors and learned mathematics from her father
Had a diagnosed learning disability called dysgraphia
Was unable to write legible work
A British crime writer of novels, short stories and plays

19. Agatha Christie

20. Famous 2E people #5 Was academically disadvantages as a child
Failed the 8th grade
Did terrible in math and generally hated school
A British Conservative politician and statesman known for his leadership of the UK during WWII
He is the only British Prime Minister to have received a Nobel Prize for Literature

21. Winston CHurchill

22. Why they are overlooked
Focus on what they cannot do Vs. What they can do
Reframing to Positive Thinking
Fixed Mindset Vs. Growth Mindset

23. Positive thinking
FAIL
END NO

24. Growth Vs. Fixed

25. 10 Growth Mindset Statements
Instead of:
Try thinking:
I’m not good at this
I’m awesome at this
I give up
This is too hard
I can’t make this any better
I just can’t do math
I made a mistake
It’s good enough
Plan “A” didn’t work
What am I missing?
I’m on the right track
I’ll use some of the strategies we’ve learned
This may take some time/effort
I can always improve so I’ll keep trying
I’m going to train my brain in math
Mistakes help be to learn better
Is it really my best work?
Good thing the alphabet has 25 more letters.

26. Responsibilities of the Classroom Teacher
Gather information to identify student needs and strengths.
To fully understand student needs, it is important to use both formal and informal assessments
ERNEST STORY
Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that include gifted and talented instruction.
As appropriate for the individual student, an IEP can include provisions for advanced learner needs (such as enrichment) and/or additional professional development for the classroom teach
Collaborate with other professionals in the district to better serve twice- exceptional students in the classroom
• Explore avenues to meet individual student needs.
Not all student needs are met in the general education classroom. Educators should consider referral for formal services, including special education and gifted and talented education programming, as well as access to other opportunities such as afterschool activities, clubs, independent study, and related arts programs.

27. Key Issues to consider in Serving 2E Students
Accommodating Academic Strengths/Gifts
Accommodating Academic Weaknesses/Disabilities
Providing Direct Instruction to Support Classroom Success
Addressing Social/Emotional Issues
Addressing Behavioral Issues

28. Other resources The 2E newsletter http://www.2eNewsletter.com
The twice exceptional dilemma – Handbook published by National Education Association
Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG)

29. Questions/Concerns

30. Exit Slip

31. What they can do