1. Extremes of Intelligence A.P. Psychology Chapter 9

2. Mental Retardation Sub-average general mental ability accompanied by deficiencies in adaptive skills, originating before age 18 Adaptive skills = communication, self-care, home living, social interaction, community use and health & safety

3. Mental Retardation: The Facts 2-3% of the school-age population is diagnosed as mentally retarded Most are considered “mildly retarded” and will become self-supporting adults Over 350 organic syndromes are known to cause mental retardation However, a true cause is only able to be diagnosed in about 25% of cases Unfavorable environmental factors may be linked to MR as well Low socioeconomic status, marital instability, parental neglect, inadequate nutrition & medical care, lower-quality schooling

4. Levels of Mental Retardation

5. Mainstreaming An approach to special education Students with special needs spend some time in “general education” classes based upon their skills Most of the educational day is spent in “self-contained classrooms” or “resource rooms” Work one-on-one with special educators in smaller sized classrooms

6. Inclusion An approach to special education Students with special needs spend most or all of their time at school with non-disabled students Rejects the use of “special schools” or “segregated classrooms” for students with special needs Fully inclusive schools (rare) no longer differentiate between “general education” and “special education”

7. Mainstreaming vs. Inclusion Researchers, educators & parents favor mainstreaming over inclusion Focus on gaining some academic skills, even though modified Both lead to higher academic achievement, higher self- esteem & better social skills Politics tends to favor inclusion It is more of a moral stance Focus on social development & being allowed the same opportunities Both teach tolerance & understanding to the general education population

8. Giftedness Widely misunderstood Research is heavily based upon IQ scores & has become a label for many children (2 – 5 %) with IQ scores above 140 Current studies are showing that “giftedness” goes beyond IQ & the focus should be on individual gifts instead of something you either have or your don’t have

9. Stereotype vs. Reality Stereotype –Television & movies often inaccurately portray gifted children Nerds Misfits Weak Sickly Socially inept Bookworms Emotionally troubled Reality –Study by Lewis Terman (1921) Above average height, weight, strength & physical health Emotionally stable High social maturity Above average mental health

10. Some Discrepancies Ellen Winner (1997) Differentiates between moderately gifted children (IQ 130- 150) and profoundly gifted children (IQ above 180) »Asserts that profoundly gifted children are often introverted and socially isolated »According to her research, incidence of interpersonal & emotional problems are twice as high in profoundly gifted children as in other groups