Definition/Diagnosis: (Paper Masters, n.d.)
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The U.S. Department of Education defines students who are Talented and Gifted as "Children and youth with outstanding talent who perform or show the potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared with others of their age, exprience, or environment" (National Society for the Gifted & Talented, 2016). According to the National Society for the Gifted & Talented, the identification process weighs performances and accomplishments as the most accurate measures of students' Gifted & Talented abilities. These performances and accomplishments span all disciplines: academic, artistic, athletic, and social, though many schools decide students' abilities on the basis of academic performances alone. Students who are female and/or minorities are often overlooked.
(National Society for the Gifted & Talented, 2016) |
Symptoms/Signs:
Similar to the variance in qualities considered for identification, students who are Gifted & Talented present a gamut of abilities and characteristics. Termed "globally gifted," some students who are Gifted & Talented excel at most everything. Most excel in some content areas, but not in others. Students who are Talented & Gifted do share an adeptness in:
While students who are Gifted & Talented achieve at high levels, they often also struggle with social emotional difficulties. Perfectionism, sensitivity (see Empath (HSPs) page), perfectionism, stress, and excessively high expectations can cripple students who are Talented & Gifted.
(Bryant, Bryant, & Smith, 2016)
- creative thinking
- general intellectual ability
- specific academic ability
- leadership
- psychomotor ability
- visual/performing arts abilities.
While students who are Gifted & Talented achieve at high levels, they often also struggle with social emotional difficulties. Perfectionism, sensitivity (see Empath (HSPs) page), perfectionism, stress, and excessively high expectations can cripple students who are Talented & Gifted.
(Bryant, Bryant, & Smith, 2016)
Accommodations:
Students who are Gifted & Talented demand responsive and flexible teachers. Students who are Talented & gifted want teachers who honor their intense curiosities and accelerate the pace of traditional curriculum and learning. Teachers must:
Students who are Talented & Gifted need guidance from their teachers, but little more than facilitation. Teachers might also assist students by advocating for students' to skip grades and prerequisite courses below their learning level. Teachers can challenge and engage students at the high school level by assigning them college-level course work and encouraging them to enroll in Advanced Placement courses. Most importantly, students who are Talented & Gifted teachers may need social-emotional support from their teachers. Teachers can listen to and validate students' concerns, teach students self-care, and work at reducing student perfectionism.
(New Jersey Visual and Performing Arts Curriculum Framework, n.d.)
- Allow students to study/pursue their interests
- Offer a plethora of resources to students
- create assignments to increase community involvement, cultural diversity, and career opportunities
- establish internships and mentorships for students
- give problem-based tasks and interdisciplinary instruction
- provide creative opportunities
Students who are Talented & Gifted need guidance from their teachers, but little more than facilitation. Teachers might also assist students by advocating for students' to skip grades and prerequisite courses below their learning level. Teachers can challenge and engage students at the high school level by assigning them college-level course work and encouraging them to enroll in Advanced Placement courses. Most importantly, students who are Talented & Gifted teachers may need social-emotional support from their teachers. Teachers can listen to and validate students' concerns, teach students self-care, and work at reducing student perfectionism.
(New Jersey Visual and Performing Arts Curriculum Framework, n.d.)
References:
Bryant, D.P., Bryant, B.R., Smith, D.D. (2016). Teaching students with special needs in the classroom. Los Angeles, CA: SAGE.
National Society for the Gifted & Talented. (2016). Giftedness defined. Retrieved from http://www.nsgt.org/giftedness-defined/
New Jersey Visual and Performing Arts Curriculum Framework. (n.d). Instructional adaptions for exceptionally able students. Retrieved Fall 2016 from Dr. Kruse in Exceptional Learners, Simpson College.
Paper Masters. (n.d.). Engaging gifted students [online image]. Retrieved December 14, 2016 from https://www.papermasters.com/gifted-students.html
Bryant, D.P., Bryant, B.R., Smith, D.D. (2016). Teaching students with special needs in the classroom. Los Angeles, CA: SAGE.
National Society for the Gifted & Talented. (2016). Giftedness defined. Retrieved from http://www.nsgt.org/giftedness-defined/
New Jersey Visual and Performing Arts Curriculum Framework. (n.d). Instructional adaptions for exceptionally able students. Retrieved Fall 2016 from Dr. Kruse in Exceptional Learners, Simpson College.
Paper Masters. (n.d.). Engaging gifted students [online image]. Retrieved December 14, 2016 from https://www.papermasters.com/gifted-students.html