1. What is a gifted student?

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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;

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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.

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

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

14. Resources http://www.ericec.org/digests/e527.html