This "GT Characteristics" tool serves to identify and foster talent. There is not an exact number or degree of "traits" that equate to giftedness. For some students, the degree to which they exude even one trait or a handful of them (i.e., critical thinking, depth, and clarity) might be all that is needed for beginning to collect data for a Gifted and Talented Identification. Recognizing these traits as evidence of giftedness may also support whole child development. Asynchronous (uneven) development plays a role here, too. A gifted student may have significant talents in some areas and be challenged by deficits in others. Many of the traits or characteristics are also ones that can be perceived negatively in a traditional classroom environment but might also be a hidden strength. This poster should help support hidden strengths in these categories.