Gifted Defined by the Arkansas Department of Education
Gifted and talented children and youth are those of high potential or ability whose learning characteristics and educational needs require qualitatively differentiated educational experiences and/or services.
Possession of these talents and gifts, or the potential for their development, will be evidenced through an interaction of above-average intellectual ability, task commitment and /or motivation, and creative ability.
This definition of giftedness is the broadest and most comprehensive and is used by many school districts. It speaks of talent, which includes all areas of a child’s life: academic, artistic, athletic, and social.
Most schools limit their definition and their programs to academics, but it is important to focus on performance and accomplishment. It is not enough to just have the talent; you must be using that talent to achieve at remarkably high levels.
However, this definition does also recognize that while all very talented students have the potential to achieve at high levels, some may not have yet realized or demonstrated that potential. Such students may be underachievers, twice-exceptional, or represent underserved groups who have not had a nurturing environment to bring out those talents.
Finally, this definition is a comparative one; these students achieve or have the potential to achieve at levels way above their peers.
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