Is My Child Gifted?
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How do I know if my child is gifted?
What is giftedness? There is no universal definition of giftedness. In the past, scoring above a certain level (often the top 2.5%) on intelligence, or even achievement tests had been the method of identification, but more recently additional information (examples of student work, parent and teacher observations, lists of traits, etc.) is often requested during assessments in order to share a fuller picture of a child, especially in the case of very creative, but perhaps not academic GT kids, or those whose gifts might be masked by a learning disability. Even this new scope considers only assessment, not the “experience” of giftedness — nor the full measure of concern that parents and educators have for gifted children.
A group of respected GT professionals has suggested that "giftedness is asynchronous development in which advanced cognitive abilities and heightened intensity combine to create inner experiences and awareness that are qualitatively different from the norm. This asynchrony increases with higher intellectual capacity. The uniqueness of the gifted renders them particularly vulnerable and requires modifications in parenting, teaching and counseling in order for them to develop optimally." The Columbus Group, Understanding Our Gifted, January 1992. What does “Twice Exceptional” (2x or 2e) mean?
"Twice Exceptional” is when a gifted person also has a learning disability (which could vary from ADD to dyslexia to autism spectrum to other difficulties). These disabilities, if unaddressed, can impact learning and keep a gifted child from reaching her or his potential.
JAGC 2e website 2E information from Jeffco GT Department Colorado Dept. of Education 2e information |
Why would I want to have my child identified as gifted?
Identifying gifted students is important so that their unique educational needs can be met. Gifted students do not “make it on their own” and require as much instructional time and energy as other exceptional children. Identification is essentially a needs assessment, because gifted children often require instruction at a different level and pace than their age peers. Gifted students may pick up on some concepts more quickly than others, but this may also lead to problems, including boredom or other frustrations
Video by Pauline Su
Sometimes my child seems gifted but sometimes not — why? It is usual for a child to have areas of strength (and passions) in giftedness, as well as spurts in intellectual growth. Asynchronous development is common in gifted children; unlike their age peers, sometimes their intellectual, physical and emotional abilities are “out of sync”. Additionally, many gifted children have psychomotor, sensual, emotional, intellectual, and/or imaginational intensities or overexcitabilities, so what might be small behavior or experiential differences for most children can be magnified in a gifted child. Being a GT kid — or a GT parent or teacher — can feel overwhelming sometimes!
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What is an ALP?What is an ALP? An ALP, or Advanced Learning Plan, is “a written record of gifted and talented programming utilized with each gifted child and considered in educational planning and decision making.”* To be reviewed annually, the ALP i s a direct link to the profile created during the identification process and the implementation of programming services matched to the child’s strengths and interests.* Colorado Revised Statutes 22-20-103
Jeffco GT Dept. presentation: Understanding the ALP ALPs in Jefferson County Colorado Dept. of Education Advanced Learning Plans |
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Jefferson County Association for Gifted Children 1100 Johnson Road #18792 Golden, CO 80402 jeffcogifted.org |
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