Giftedness Summary

Giftedness Definition

  • Recognized from NCLB (2001) as high achievement capability in various fields.

  • 6.7% of school children identified as gifted in 2006.

  • High IQ is rare; 2% have IQ $ extgreater$ 130, and 0.003% have IQ $ extgreater$ 160.

Intellectual and Personality Characteristics

  • Key attributes: intelligence, motivation, interests, communication skills, problem-solving ability, memory, inquisitiveness, reasoning, imagination/creativity, and humor.

Needs of Female Students Who Are Gifted

  • Avoid gender-role stereotypes in educational materials.

  • Encourage participation in spatially-oriented and competitive activities.

  • Provide assertiveness training and female support groups.

  • Educate on career opportunities and ensure equal recognition for achievements.

Research on Gender in Higher Ed

  • Women perform more experimental work but often receive less credit for contributions.

  • Gender biases lead to under-representation of women in numerous fields, particularly where raw talent is emphasized.

Giftedness and Underachievement

  • High IQ does not guarantee school success; motivation and environment are critical factors.

  • Underachievement can stem from excessive pressure or lack of challenge in school.

Characteristics of Underachieving Gifted Students

  • May display internalizing or externalizing behaviors, poor study habits, and low aspirations.

Twice Exceptional Children

  • Display both giftedness and disability.

  • Characteristics of giftedness may obscure the disability, leading to under-identification.

Long-term Studies

  • Gifted students show advantages in health, interests, and socio-emotional traits.

  • Significant life outcomes related to supportive environments and strengths.

Educating Gifted Children

  • Include various instructional strategies: general enrichment, differentiated instruction, and acceleration options (e.g., grade skipping, advanced classes).

Education for Gifted & LD Students

  • Focus on strengths with tailored IEPs and advanced opportunity access.

Creativity Traits

  • Positive: originality, open-mindedness, risk-taking.

  • Negative: rebelliousness, impulsivity, irresponsibility.

  • Foster creativity with stimulation, problem-solving challenges, self-directed learning.

Assessment of Creativity

  • Use creative achievement inventories, Torrance Tests, and other evaluation tools to measure creativity.