Gifted/Talented DefinItion

Gifted and Talented Definition

The Minnesota Department of Education has established the following definition of Gifted and Talented children:

Gifted and talented children and youth are those students with outstanding abilities, identified at preschool, elementary and secondary levels. These students are capable of high performance when compared to others of similar age, experience and environment, and represent the diverse populations of our communities. These are students whose potential requires differentiated and challenging educational programs and/or services beyond those provided in the general school program. Students capable of high performance include those with demonstrated achievement or potential ability in any one or more of the following areas: general intellectual, specific academic subjects, creativity, leadership and visual and performing arts.

Therefore, gifted and talented students are those for whom a traditional educational program is not always sufficient, requiring a different approach for meeting their educational needs.