Understanding Giftedness
According to the NAGC website, gifted students are:
Students with gifts and talents perform—or have the capability to perform—at higher levels compared to others of the same age, experience, and environment in one or more domains. They require modification(s) to their educational experience(s) to learn and realize their potential. Student with gifts and talents:
Come from all racial, ethnic, and cultural populations, as well as all economic strata.
Require sufficient access to appropriate learning opportunities to realize their potential.
Can have learning and processing disorders that require specialized intervention and accommodation.
Need support and guidance to develop socially and emotionally as well as in their areas of talent.
Sometimes Giftedness is Tricky to Recognize!
Check out this TEDTalk Video on re-evaluating those "annoying" habits of kids!
Myths about Gifted Students
There are many misconceptions about students who are gifted & talented. These misconceptions can lead to frustration for students & parents. Click the image above to learn more about the truth behind these misleading beliefs.
Emotional Needs of the Gifted
One of the most significant characteristics of the gifted is asynchrony, a term used to describe the uneven development in their cognitive, social/emotional, and physical development. Click the image above to learn more about asynchronous development & strategies for supporting gifted learners.
Characteristics of Giftedness
Giftedness is displayed in unique ways within each learner. There are a variety of ways that a giftedness may be exhibited. Recognizing gifted behaviors can help parents become a strong advocate for their gifted child. Click the image above for some characteristics commonly displayed by gifted learners.
Become an advocate for your gifted learner
Understanding the rights of your child & the school's role in meeting their special needs is essential. collaborating with teachers and other professionals will ensure your gifted student recieves the learning modifactions and supports he/she needs to achieve to his/her highest potential. Click the image above for some tips on how to support your gifted learner.
Programming for Gifted Learners
Gifted students need daily instruction within their area of talent. research suggests that they should receive both grade based and subject based enrichment opportunities that are specific to their area of talent. There are several programming options that may be offered by schools to best meet the special learning needs of gifted students.
Cluster Grouping
Cluster Grouping is the practice of placing gifted students together within the same classroom with a teacher who is trained in providing services to exceptional students. The range of ability is reduced, students get to work with like minded peers, and and it offers increased opportunity to pursue personal interests & develop talents.
Acceleration
Acceleration allows teachers to match ability with advanced content. This may include practices like skipping grades, accelerating instruction within specific subject areas, or curriculum compacting.
Ability Grouping
Ability grouping is the practice of forming groups based on ability, need, or interest. This generally occurs within the regular classroom, but may also involve between class groupings. Teachers are able to increase the pace or complexity of instruction. Ability grouping allows students to learn alongside peers who share similar skills or interests, thus increasing motivation & achievement. This type of grouping is flexible and can change in reponse to student need.