YARMOUTH CHAPTER 104 - GT INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT
What is Giftedness?
There are many definitions of giftedness, ranging from the very narrow (top 1% of the population based on IQ) to the very broad (the top 20% based on the Schoolwide Enrichment Model). The state of Maine defines gifted children as those "in grades K-12 who excel, or have the potential to excel, beyond their age peers, in the regular school program, to the extent that they need and can benefit from programming for the gifted and talented." Students selected for direct GT services, Chapter 104 states, comprise approximately 3-5% of students.
One way to look at giftedness would be through Joseph Renzulli's Three-Ring Conception of Giftedness. According to Renzulli, gifted behavior is displayed when these three elements overlap: above-average ability, task commitment (or a refined motivation), and creativity.
We have observed that the GT learner often takes an unusual route to an unexpected destination, frequently ending up far beyond the rubric or learning standard. A GT student does not look the same as a bright, hard working student. For a quick snapshot of the difference, please see the chart below:
Bright Child | Gifted Child |
|---|---|
1. Knows the answers | 1. Asks the questions |
2. Is interested | 2. Is highly curious |
3. Is attentive | 3. Is mentally and physically involved |
4. Has good ideas | 4. Has wild, silly ideas |
5. Works HARD | 5. Plays around yet tests well |
6. Answers the questions | 6. Discusses in detail, elaborates |
7. Top Group | 7. BEYOND the group |
8. Listens with interest. | 8. Shows strong feelings, incl. frustration |
9. Learns with ease | 9. Already knows |
10. 6-8 repetitions for mastery | 10. 1-2 repetitions for mastery |
11. Understands ideas | 11. Constructs ABSTRACTIONS |
12. Enjoys peers | 12. Prefers adults or being alone - may be very introverted |
13. Grasps meaning | 13. Draws inferences |
14. Completes the assignments | 14. Initiates projects |
15. Is receptive | 15. Is very intense |
16. Copies accurately | 16. Creates brand new design |
17. Enjoys school | 17. Enjoys learning |
18. Absorbs information | 18. Manipulates information |
19. Technician | 19. Inventor |
20. Good memorizer | 20. Good guesser, plays hunches |
21. Enjoys sequential presentation | 21. Thrives on complexity |
22. Is alert | 22. Is keenly observant |
23. Is pleased with own learning | 23. Often highly self critical, may not finish work or want to show work (e.g. stages in math), has better ideas than the teacher. |
adapted from Janice Szabos (Gifted Child Quarterly)