GIFTED
DefinitionThis 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.
Primary Characteristics
Gifted students generally have unusual talent in one or occasionally two areas. Below are six areas where we will find giftedness. No child will be gifted in all six, but some may be in more than one area. Within specific academic ability, students again usually have one or two subjects that they are best in and passionate about. Creative Thinking Leadership General Intellectual Ability Psychomotor Specific Academic Ability Visual/ Peforming Arts ***Click on each link for more details. |
Accommodations & ModificationsHere are some modifications suggested by Maker (1982) to assist in the design of programs that would be suited to gifted students.
Content modifications for gifted students should:
Process modifications for gifted students should:
Product modifications for gifted students should:
Learning environment modification for gifted students should:
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