EDUC 225- Chapter 15: Gifted and Talented

Define Gifted and Talented according to a definition of your choice.

Individuals who demonstrate exceptional abilities or potential in specific areas - They often requiring tailored educational approaches to nurture their unique strengths.

Provide two supporting facts for why gifted and talented students should be included in IDEA.

• Without IDEA inclusion, many gifted students are not identified or challenged enough in school, which can lead to boredom and low academic growth.

• Twice-exceptional students exist and need both supports

Explain Renzulli’s definition of gifted.

Those who exhibit a combination of

• above-average ability

• creativity

• task commitment

Create a brief scenario with enough details that the student could be classified as gifted by Renzulli.

A 12-year-old student consistently scores in the 95th percentile in math and science assessments, shows remarkable creativity by designing unique science fair projects, and dedicates significant time and effort to perfecting his submissions. His teachers have noted his commitment to learning, often going above and beyond in his research and presentations.

Psychological and Behavioral Characteristics - explain two ways individuals labeled gifted and talented have been stereotyped.

• They are socially awkward or unable to relate to peers

• They should excel in all subjects without extra support.

Share your thoughts about gifted and talented students from low socioeconomic status or those who live in rural areas.

They often face barriers such as limited access to advanced educational resources and extracurricular opportunities. Despite their potential, these students may not be identified or given proper support

Share your thoughts on underachievers.

Underachievers may possess high potential yet fail to perform at expected academic levels due to various factors, including lack of motivation, inadequate support, or external challenges such as family issues.

What is meant by twice-exceptional, and give any examples?

Individuals who are gifted and talented but also have learning disabilities or other challenge. For example, a student may excel in mathematics and struggle with dyslexia, affecting their reading and writing skills.

Explain how you would address the needs of gifted students in your chosen profession.

• Let them do deeper or more challenging work instead of just extra regular work.

• Let gifted students work with others at their level sometimes, so they can be challenged and learn with peers who think at a similar pace.

Share significant information you learned from the presentation by Dr. Mann.

I thought it was very interesting that sometimes bright children get labeled as gifted because they follow instructions, participate, work hard in class, are social, and score well on tests. Gifted students are sometimes not identified because of poor behavior in the classroom including having wild silly ideas, arguing with teacher, strong opinions, and difficulty following directions, which can mask their true potential.

Why is it important to have specialized programs for gifted students?

They often need more challenge than regular classroom work provides. Without it, they can become bored or unmotivated.

These programs also help them grow their skills, think more deeply, and reach their full potential.

What are some characteristics that a gifted child has that a bright child does not?

Bright:

• Knows answers

• Interested

• Works hard

• Learns with ease

• Completes assignments

Gifted:

• Asks questions

• Very curious

• Plays with ideas / creates

• Learns quickly (1–2 times)

• Starts projects / goes beyond assignments

Describe a student who demonstrates Asynchronus Development

Shows uneven growth across different areas, such as advanced cognitive skills paired with immature social or emotional responses. This can lead to a mismatch between their intellectual abilities and their emotional maturity.

In what scenarios should we praise students vs not praise students

• Praise should be given when a student demonstrates effort, perseverance, or improvement rather than solely for innate ability or talent

• avoid praising students for achievements that come too easily, as it may lead to complacency or a fear of taking on challenging tasks.

What are some ways to identify a gifted student?

• Achievement tests

  • Score related to how much student knows

• IQ Test

  • Potential relating to academic ability

• Performance tasks

  • Open-ended task with multiple solution possibilities

• Observation checklists

  • Teachers identify gifted characteristics

• Portfolios

  • Collection of student work

Explain the difference between a student who is gifted as opposed to a student who is talented

A gifted student exhibits exceptional intellectual abilities and potential, while a talented student demonstrates extraordinary skills in specific areas such as art, music, or sports

Why is Michigan a red state? What does this mean in terms of gifted education?

Usually votes more for the Republican Party

What this can mean for gifted education:

• More local control: Schools and districts often decide gifted programs, not strong statewide rules.

• Uneven programs: Some districts may have strong gifted services, while others have little or none..

• Funding varies: Gifted education may not always be a top statewide funding priority.

What did Becky Mann mention that you should never say to your students and why?

You’re so smart, that’s easy, you must be gifted; it can create a fixed mindset and pressure to always perform.