What is giftedness?
In simple terms, giftedness refers to displaying exceptional ability or uncommon promise. Giftedness is not fixed, nor is a student gifted in all areas. Many gifted students have areas of great strength and other areas that are average or require extra supports.
Why do we offer special programs for gifted students?
Like other students with special needs, gifted students need methods of instruction and environments that ensure they are appropriately challenged. When they do not have those challenges and supports, gifted student may experience disengagement, isolation, or lack of appropriate academic growth.
| âKnows the answers |
âAsks the questions |
| âInterested |
âExtremely curious |
| âPays attention |
âGets involved physically and mentally |
| âWorks hard |
âPlays around, still gets good test scores |
| âAnswers questions |
âQuestions the answers |
| âEnjoys same-age peers |
âPrefers adults or older children |
| âGood at memorization |
âGood at guessing |
| âLearns easily |
âBored. Already Knows the answers |
| âListens well |
âShows strong feelings and opinions |
| âSelf-satisfied |
âSelf-satisfied. Highly critical of self (perfectionist) |
Characteristics of Bright vs Gifted Students from Janice Szabos
*Please note: this is not a list of absolutes. A gifted student may demonstrate some of the traits of a bright student, and a bright student may have some of the traits of a gifted student. Students may demonstrate gifted characteristics in certain disciplines and not in others. The purpose of the list is to provide a general sense of observable characteristics a teacher or parent might see that can be associated with giftedness.
