1. What is gifted?
There are many opinions about what giftedness is but we ascribe to this definition. Giftedness is the intersection of creativity, above-average ability, and task commitment in an area of interest. It can be latent, emergent, or manifest, influenced by environment and chance, and is evident only under certain conditions. (Adapted from J.S. Renzulli et al.
2. What is 2e or Twice-exceptional?
2e or 2E is short for twice-exceptional. Twice-exceptional is when a person is both gifted and has a learning difference as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act.
3. How is gifted education different?
When done well, gifted education includes acceleration by subject per student readiness, interest-based problem-solving projects that create real products, exploration of a broad range of experiences, opportunities to learn ethical leadership and activities that help these students deal with the unique social and emotional issues that often accompany giftedness.
4. Can gifted students have learning disabilities, or differences, or be neuro-atypical?
Yes. This is usually referred to as twice exceptional or 2e. However, not all neuro-atypicality is a “special need.”
5. What is an autonomous learner?
An autonomous learner is a person who can figure out a solution to a question or problem without asking an adult for help. They learn to follow instructions, research questions, solve problems participate in discussions, and know where and how to get help when it is truly needed. This is a very important skill when they venture out into educational settings other than ours.
6. What is gifted education?
It is an education system designed by a program, school, or district that differs from typical learning programs. Most are part-time, pulling students out one day a week, though some are full-time. Programs may involve subject or grade-level acceleration. In regular classes, gifted students should work at their zone of proximal development, with lessons offering greater depth, complexity, acceleration, and real-world problem-solving projects as well as have social and emotional support for their unique needs.
7. Is gifted education federally mandated in the USA?
No. It is neither federally required nor funded. It is left to each state and local school district.
8. Is IDEAL4Gifted a religious school?
No. IDEAL4Gifted is not a religious educational program, though the study of history and civilizations may include some information about a culture’s beliefs.
9. What do gifted and twice-exceptional students really need?
There are basically 4 things that gifted and twice-exceptional students need. They are:
a. Acceleration to the level they are ready for in all subjects a.k.a their “Zone of Proximal Development.”
b. Opportunities to be supported in following their strengths and interests
c. To discover and explore things, places, and people, that are beyond their immediate sphere a.k.a the weird, whacky, and wonderful,
d. Connection with others similar to themselves and other social and emotional supports.
10. What are some common characteristics of the gifted?
- Learn to read or work with numbers mathematically on their own at a young age
- Good or quirky sense of humor.
- Intense curiosity and questioning
- Challenge adults
- Dislike repetition
- Grasp concepts more quickly and/or deeply than their age peers
- Higher levels of abstract thinking than their age peers
- Ability to comprehend material several grade levels above their age peers
- Surprising emotional depth and sensitivity at a young age
- Creative and imaginative, often enjoying mental or physical puzzles
- Sensitive, self-aware, socially aware, and aware of global issues
- Highly asynchronous development between age and abilities.
- Not very well organized.