GIFTED AND TALENTED
Hope Fetty
Definition
Gifted and Talented is a term used to describe children with outstanding abilities that surpass those of their normal peers.
They are capable of high performance and outstanding achievement in many areas (academic, intellectual, cognitive, leadership, visual/ performing arts, & psychomotor abilities).
Prevalence
In the United States:
- ~3.2 million students currently identified as Gifted or Talented in American Elementary and Secondary schools
In the State of Maryland:
- 16.1% of students are categorized as Gifted and Talented
Major Characteristics
Gifted and Talented students can be characterized very broadly through intellectual/ academic characteristics as well as social/ emotional characteristics.
Common intellectual/ academic characteristics found are:
abstract reasoning
ability to solve difficult problems
learn quickly*
show intellectual curiosity
generalize learning material
having an exceptional memory
having strong verbal skills
motivated by academic tasks
- can focus/ concentrate on a topic for extended periods of time
Common social/ emotional characteristics found are:
criticizing self
empathizing often
exhibiting individualism
demonstrating leadership abilities
being highly sensitive to others and self*
nonconforming*
experiencing stress from failure
having strength of character
take risks
- having different modes of expression*
*indicates characteristics which can interfere with learning
(Smith & Tyler , pp.403, 2014)
Major Interfering Characteristic: Underachievement
Accommodations/ Strategies in the Classroom
- Assign independent projects for students: these allow capitalization of their abilities to understand “cause and effect relationships” and give students increased independence and the ability to study at their own pace and be interested in material.
- Provide differentiated instruction for certain students: When presented with different versions of class projects and assignments, gifted students are encouraged to study content more deeply and at an acceptable pace.
- Distance/ Online Learning: The Internet provides students opportunities to take classes in subjects that are not offered at their schools and allows secondary students to take college-level coursework, expanding these students' knowledge base.
(Manno, 2012).
Resources for Children and Parents
Research Starters for Independent Projects
Stanford University's Education Program for Gifted Youth
By enrolling your gifted child in computer-based multimedia courses in various subjects, online services provide innovative educational tools and a supportive community to help advanced students and those seeking academic excellence achieve their greatest potential!
Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development
Accommodations/ Strategies at Home
- Value play and invention: Sometimes gifted & talented children do not fully realize their skills and potential until they're challenged. Encourage them to think critically about the world around them and be inventive with available resources.
- Use imagery when playing or working with your child: Try to make connections between real-world events and what is going on in your class.
- Listen to and talk about unusual ideas: Each and every one child is unique and sometimes we do not fully recognize all their talents. Have open debates that cover both contemporary and content area topics and do not shoot down any idea they may have.
(Work, 2014).
For more information on At-Home Strategies/ Accommodations listed above, click here!
More Resources for Gifted & Talented Children
References
Smith, D. & Tyler, N. (2015). Introduction to contemporary special education: new horizons. Retrieved from http://www.mypearsonstore.com
Manno, M. (2012). Engaging gifted and talented students. Retrieved from http://teach.com/education-technology/engaging-gifted-and-talented-students
When the gifted grow up. Duke TIP. (2010). Retrieved from http://tip.duke.edu/node/943
Scholastic Inc (2015). Retrieved from http://teacher.scholastic.com/researchtools/researchstarters/index.htm
Standford University (2014). Retrieved from http://epgy.stanford.edu
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (2015). Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org/professional-development/pls.aspx
Work, J. (2014). Edutopia. Uppervention: meeting the needs of gifted and talented students.
Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/uppervention-for-gifted-talented-students-josh-work